Country health keeps graduate nurse close to home

Newly qualified registered nurse Jacinta Binsted says “country is where I’ll stay”.

Jacinta recently joined WA Country Health Service through the GradConnect program and is stationed in her hometown of Exmouth.

“Working for WA Country Health Service has allowed me to continue learning and gain hands-on experience while staying close to my family,” she said.

Jacinta is one of our latest GradConnect recruits, a program that helps newly qualified nurses and midwives join our team at regional and remote health sites across WA.

“Joining WA Country Health Service has really helped my transition to practice in nursing,” she said.

“Working regionally, you receive additional support and education opportunities on the hospital floor. And the allocated study days are a great way to grow your skills.

“In country hospitals, there is always someone willing to take the time to teach you – you’re not left to fend for yourself.”

She said the highlight of her nursing career to date has been working during the Total Solar Eclipse in April 2023.

“What an experience!” she said.

“It was great to see and be a part of the extensive preparation work undertaken to get ready for the influx of tourists into our beautiful town.”

A solar eclipse isn’t the only natural phenomena that Jacinta has become accustomed to managing. 

“So much of the work I’m involved in is interesting and unique to Exmouth. We see lot of Irukandji jellyfish stings for example. Our teams are so well versed in responding, we can treat them almost immediately.

“In country nursing, you develop fast assessment skills. It’s what I’ve really enjoyed about working in rural healthcare – the access you have to a broad range of patient presentations you might not see in metro hospitals.”

Acting Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Yvonne Bagwell said newly qualified nurses and midwives are warmly welcomed to the region and encouraged upcoming graduates to consider a stint in the bush.

“There’s a real sense of community and kinship in the Midwest and being able to provide our graduates with extensive learning experience in this unique region makes us so proud.

“It’s even better when we can keep people close to home.”

Newly qualified registered nurses and midwives that start working in regional WA after 1 July 2023 may be eligible for up to $12,000 support on HECS-HELP loans.

If you’re a newly qualified nurse or midwife looking to call the country home, apply for the GradConnect program before 17 July 2023.