Nurses destined for the future

The Transition to Professional Practice (TPP) program highlighted the extensive opportunities for students wanting to work in the district.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals Workforce and Education manager Anna Lam explained the TPP program guides staff through their first year as a registered nurse or midwife with ongoing education and support in the workplace.

“With hospitals expanding and changing models of care, there are new opportunities opening up for nursing or midwifery careers in clinical care, research, education and management,” Ms Lam said.

“Last year we interviewed more than 400 graduates who engaged in a café style interview.

“Feedback from the graduates showed more than 90 per cent of the respondents evaluated their interview experience as a positive one.

“Even if candidates are not selected in the first round of job offers, suitable applicants go into an eligibility bank and job offers can be made a few weeks before each intake.”

Jobs for medical, allied health and support staff will also be on offer from next year as Blacktown expands to become a major tertiary hospital for western Sydney and Westmead opens its new central acute services building in 2020.

First year nurses also spoke at the TPP information sessions.

Former graduate Alex Smee who is now a midwife, told the students that being open to opportunities and experiences is the key to a satisfying nursing and midwifery career.

“Find your passion and find what speaks to you and work towards it,” Ms Smee said.