Nursing workforce continues to grow

Nursing numbers in western Sydney get a boost in February with 236 graduate nurses and midwives joining Western Sydney Local Health District.

Westmead Hospital will welcome 34 nurses and 15 midwives in February with another 51 recruits joining the ranks in March and May.

Twenty one new nurses are already on the job at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals with another 38 nurses to join their new colleagues by May.

Nine new nurses will be on the roster at Auburn Hospital with a further five nurses to start work in community health services

Mental health and drug and alcohol health services will employ 17 new nurses.

WSLHD executive director of nursing and midwifery and clinical governance Joanne Edwards said the graduates would work in clinical settings including hospital wards, paediatrics, emergency and operating theatres.

“We could not function without these caring staff who provide compassionate care and support to our patients in hospital, at home, or in the community,” Ms Edwards said.

“They are at the forefront of care, providing assistance throughout the patient’s journey.

“I commend each one of our nursing and midwifery graduates for completing their studies and wish them a fulfilled and satisfying career in nursing and midwifery.”

The graduates will attend orientation sessions across the various hospitals in the coming weeks.