300 nursing and midwifery graduates join Western Sydney

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) has this week welcomed 85 graduate nurses and midwives across western Sydney hospitals and community services.

The graduate nurses and midwives are part of the first intake for the year, joining a total of 300 graduates to join the District by May 2021.

The nurses and midwives have commenced work at WSLHD as part of the 12-month Gradstart program, which includes clinical rotations and educational support for future specialisation and career development.

WSLHD Nursing & Midwifery and Clinical Governance director Caroline Farmer welcomed the new graduates during the first orientation of the year.

“These new graduate nurses and midwives will be an important addition to the Western Sydney, providing further support to our current staff who have continued to deliver quality health care during the challenges of 2020 and the year ahead,” Caroline said.

“To all our new graduates, a sincere welcome. I hope that the learning and development opportunities in the upcoming months will support the strengthening of your clinical skills and knowledge, ensuring that as a valued  member of our nursing and midwifery workforce that we continue to ensure a positive patient journey and the safety of our patients.”

For registered nurse Paris McNaught, starting a career in Westmead Hospital is a big change. Paris grew up in Orange and used to work in the mining industry, driving trucks.

“I have always wanted to become a nurse. I received a Certificate in Aged Care when I was still in high school and I also looked after my brother after his bike accident,” Paris said.

“It is exciting to finally follow my dream. Moving to Sydney is a massive change for me, but I am looking forward to advancing my skills and learning. One day I hope to become a flight nurse.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits as they embark on their career with NSW Health.

“These enthusiastic nursing and midwifery graduates join NSW Health at an historic moment, in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic,” Mr Hazzard said.

“They will have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our extraordinary healthcare system as it continues to battle against the threat of COVID-19.”

More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011.

The NSW Government has invested in a record total 8,300 frontline health staff over four years, including an additional 5,000 nurses and midwives, including mental health and palliative care nurses.

To be eligible for the Gradstart program, a candidate must complete a Bachelor of Nursing or Midwifery. For more information about the Gradstart program, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/Pages/recruit.aspx