Grad nurses set to make a difference in the Great Southern

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has recruited 24 new registered nurses in the Great Southern.

The newly qualified nurses will embark on a graduate program that provides learning and development, ongoing support and placement opportunities including medical, surgical, rehabilitation, theatre, aged care and for the first time, chemotherapy and palliative care.

Eleven of the new graduates will complete their first rotations in one of the WACHS multi-purpose sites (MPS), with the remaining staff being based at Albany Health Campus (AHC).

WACHS Great Southern Regional Director Geraldine Ennis PSM said the new group were a welcome addition.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’re busier than ever before and these new graduates will play a fundamental role in supporting our existing staff while also providing exceptional care to our community,” she said.

“There are tough times ahead for the entire health system and the support of graduate nurses like this cohort will be invaluable.”

Ms Ennis said while it was sometimes difficult to attract staff to regional WA, as the state’s biggest health provider geographically, WACHS could offer opportunities their metropolitan counterparts couldn’t.

“Our grads work across hospital and aged care settings with excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development and a chance to hone their skills under the watchful eye of some of the region’s best educators and specialists,” she said. 

“They get one on one time with senior nurses and doctors and of course, the opportunity to be active members of the communities in which they live and work.”  

Newly qualified registered nurse Zara Porter said it was important for her to be delivering care in the region where she grew up and the place where her career pathway began.

“It was one of my favourite science teachers who suggested to me that nursing could be a great career for me,” Ms Porter said.

My passion for nursing really grew while I was on practical placement at uni, where I saw first-hand how we can improve someone’s quality of life.” 

If you’re interested in a career in country WA, email WACHS.eocworkforce@health.wa.gov.au or visit wacountry.health.wa.gov.au