39 new nurses offering world-class care to patients at Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital

Like many before her, Blacktown Hospital Emergency Department (ED) Registered Nurse (RN), Rebecca Manning, was in awe of her mother growing up and loved hearing her work stories.

Unsurprisingly, Rebecca’s mother is also an ED RN, which gave her daughter a front-row seat to the fast-paced ED environment throughout her childhood.

“I loved hearing mum’s stories about working in the ED and have always wanted to care for really sick people,” said Rebecca.

Rebecca is one of 39 registered nurses and midwives recently welcomed to Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH).

These new recruits have completed an intense week of orientation, training and clinical skills stations, and will be stationed in various wards including ED, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), Newborn Care and General Medicine across both hospitals.

After completing her studies at UTS, Rebecca Manning undertook placements across the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), but particularly enjoyed working at Blacktown Hospital.

“I chose to work at Blacktown Hospital because of great camaraderie and staff support, and the diversity of patients,” said Rebecca.

Another new Blacktown Hospital recruit, Registered Midwife Fatemah Shafaq, has always valued the women in her life including her mother and sister, who encouraged her to explore a career in midwifery.

“At the end of school, I wasn’t planning on doing midwifery but once I started studying midwifery, I knew I had made the right decision and had no doubts,” said Fatemah.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a profession that cares for people, and I often tell people that midwifery found me.

“For me, midwifery represents the celebration of women and what they are capable of; so, what’s not to love?”

BMDH Director of Nursing & Midwifery, Marie Baxter, is excited to welcome the new cohort of nurses and midwives who selected Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals as their preferred place of employment.

“The new staff will receive a wealth of hands-on experience and be well supported by our teams,” said Marie.

“I’m confident they will enjoy this incredible experience in their new roles – welcome aboard to all – we’re delighted to have you!”