More than 150 graduate nurses will begin their careers in Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) hospitals and health facilities in 2024, significantly bolstering the frontline workforce across the entire region.
Across the state, more than 3,400 graduate nurses and midwives will commence work in the NSW public health system.
Adrian Fahy, WNSWLHD Director of Quality, Clinical Safety and Nursing, extended a warm welcome to this year's intake of 160 graduate nurses, many of whom have already begun working in the District after orientations began last week.
"Continuing to grow and support our nursing workforce is one of the District's highest priorities, so we are thrilled to welcome such a big group of graduate nurses again this year," Mr Fahy said.
"These young nurses will play a crucial role in providing compassionate, high-quality care for our communities. Over the next 12 months they will gain valuable experience across a range of different nursing specialities.
"In particular, I'm pleased to say that for the second consecutive year more than 50 of this year's intake will start their careers in small, rural facilities, providing a huge boost to those communities."
A total of 55 graduate nurses will begin their careers in rural and remote areas, including five at Walgett Multipurpose Service, while over 100 will be based across Orange Health Service, Bathurst Health Service and Dubbo Hospital, and in mental health at Bloomfield.
Mr Fahy said in an effort to further solidify and support the frontline nursing workforce, the District's graduate nurses will be offered permanent positions for the first time, providing additional job security as they complete their graduate year.
"We have also contined to develop the support and pathways available to our entire nursing workforce, to provide more opportunities to upskill and gain further qualifications," Mr Fahy said.
"We're excited these young nurses have chosen to begin their careers in our District. Many of them are locals in the areas they will be working, which is another big step forward for us in strengthening our home-grown workforce.
"We are committed to giving these nurses the best possible experience and opportunity for success in their graduate year, and beyond, because we are hopeful they will all choose to stay in our region and with our District long-term."
For more information on careers in nursing and midwifery, visit the NSW Health website.
