Gold Coast Health has welcomed the next generation of nurses who will start work in wards across the health service’s two hospitals.
This year’s intake of 149 Registered Nurses are completing a comprehensive orientation before heading into the clinical workplace in areas such as emergency, medical, palliative care, mental health and more at both Gold Coast University and Robina hospitals.
The university graduates, selected from more than 600 applications, complete scenarios using high-tech mannequins to recognise and respond to clinical deterioration, a range of skills stations such as infusion therapy and patient safety as well as occupational violence prevention.
Professor of Nursing and Midwifery Anita Bamford-Wade welcomed the university graduates and encouraged them not to underestimate the impact they will have on patients and their families.
“Every day, nurses touch the lives of our patients and their families. Each and every one of our graduate nurses will make a difference to the health and wellbeing of their patients as they strive for excellence in the care they provide,” Dr Bamford-Wade said.
Throughout the year, the graduates have access to an Entry to Practice team, Nurse Educators and ward-based Clinical Facilitators. There are opportunities for various clinical training and RNs must complete a number of assessments.
“The aim of our graduate transition program is to develop safe, competent, independent practitioners who are not only effective team members, but well-rounded and knowledgeable in their patient care,” Dr Bamford-Wade said.
“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of the service we deliver and make up 44% of our workforce at Gold Coast Health.”
Mitch Sharp is one of 15 males in the 2017 cohort and said orientation week was an exciting step forward in his health career journey.
“I have always had an interest in science and health. Nursing wasn’t the first direction I chose but here I am and I now wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“I applied to Gold Coast Health because I really wanted to work in its world-class facilities.
“I’m based in the Emergency Department. It’s such a busy hands-on area and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into it,” Mitch said.
The health service is due to welcome 18 graduate midwives and a cohort of Enrolled Nurses next month.
Gold Coast Health provides public health care services to more than 500,000 people, is the largest employer on the Gold Coast with more than 8500 employees and has an annual operating budget of more than $1.2 million.
