Twenty-eight new graduate nurses and 22 midwives will begin work at 15 hospitals across the Riverina. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has welcomed 50 nursing and midwifery graduates as they begin their careers as part of NSW Health’s GradStart program.
The GradStart program is an annual recruitment scheme that sees tertiary graduates complete their graduate years at regional hospitals.
The newly appointed nurses are supported with comprehensive education and mentoring throughout their graduate year to allow for a safe and informative transition into the workspace.
District Director of Nursing and Midwifery Christine Stephens said the new graduates had expressed enthusiasm and excitement about their placements and were a welcome addition to the MLHD.
“Many of our graduates are local to the Murrumbidgee; some have already been working with us as assistants in nursing or enrolled nurses while they have been studying,” Ms Stephens said.
“We know they will benefit from the learning opportunities that regional facilities that MLHD provide and they will enjoy the reward of working as part of a local community.”
Sam Mulligan, originating from Melbourne, is one of the 28 new nurses involved in the GradStart program. Mr Mulligan decided to make the transition to nursing in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for him to complete his previous degree.
Mr Mulligan completed his nursing degree in Cootamundra and decided to stay in the Riverina to complete his graduate year. Although he’s only been in the program a short time, he believes it was the right decision.
“I’ve been told that by staying in Wagga and working in a regional hospital I’d learn more skills quicker and be more hands-on than if I’d worked in a metropolitan area,” he said.
“The GradStart program is setting myself and my colleagues up for our future. We’re really well supported and we are being very much prepared for what nursing is going to be like. The program is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone who is graduating in the next couple of years.”
Ms Stpehens said the competition for positions within the GradStart program at MLHD was fierce, as those who had completed the program in previous years had given GradStart high praise.
“2024 will bring exciting opportunities for our new graduate registered nurses and we hope that their GradStart year with us marks the start of long and successful nursing careers within MLHD,” she said.
The 28 nurses and 22 midwives will be working at Berrigan, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Cowra, Deniliquin, Griffith, Gundagai, Junee, Henty, Narrandera, Temora, Tocumwal, Tumbarumba, Tumut and Wagga Wagga.
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