WA Country Health Service welcomes record intake of graduate nurses and midwives in 2023

A record number of newly graduated nurses and midwives will deploy to remote and regional areas as part of the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) graduate nursing and midwifery program.

178 newly qualified nurses and midwives will kickstart their careers in regional WA in February 2023.

They will work across a variety of clinical settings, gaining experience in a supported environment, acquiring new knowledge and practice while consolidating evidence-based clinical skills.

The newly qualified nurses and midwives will deploy throughout all seven regions, supported through accommodation subsidies and relocation allowances.

Jeff Moffet, WACHS Chief Executive, said engaging a record number of newly qualified nurses and midwives was helping the organisation to build capacity.

"Graduate programs are just one of the many ways we are working to attract and retain country clinicians. We hope this program will drive our newly qualified nurses and midwives to consider a long-term career in the bush," he said.

"This next generation of nurses and midwives will play a fundamental role in supporting our existing healthcare teams and I thank them for choosing to support country communities."

Yvonne Bagwell, Acting Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, said WACHS will teach, train and guide the newly qualified nurses and midwives through the early stages of their careers – offering them professional development they can only get in rural and regional WA.

"Our newly qualified nurses and midwives work across hospital, community and aged care settings, with unparalleled opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development," Yvonne said.

"Working in a rural location exposes graduates to so many different fields and specialties. They will each have the chance to hone their skills under the watchful eye of some of the state's best educators and specialists.

"Rural practice also gives newly qualified nurses and midwives the opportunity to become active members of the communities in which they live and work."

In addition to the latest cohort of newly qualified nurses and midwives, in 2023 WACHS will also welcome new participants to the Transition to Rural - AdVEnture and Lifestyle (TRAVEL) Program.

Country adventure and career development come together through the TRAVEL Program, offering nurses and midwives the chance to experience three country rotations in a 12-month placement. Currently, 14 nurses and midwives are taking part in the TRAVEL program.

Further newly qualified nurses and midwives will deploy across regional WA in mid-year intake.