Kickstarting nurses’ careers

The 2023 intake of graduate nurses - fresh from completing their tertiary training – have been welcomed by Bass Coast Health (BCH).

The graduates will undertake a 12-month graduate year program at the sub-regional health service for Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires.

They will gain a variety of experience by completing two, six-month rotations in the areas of emergency department, acute, sub-acute, district nursing, aged care and haemodialysis, as well as a speciality rotation.

BCH learning and development acting co-manager Mandie Heffernan said the graduates would be supported by the health service’s dedicated education team as they gained practical experience.

“We will closely supervise the graduate nurses to provide them with a variety of experiences and educational opportunities, giving them the best start to their careers,” Mandie said.

“We hope their time with us is so beneficial that they will wish to apply for ongoing positions with us after they complete their graduate year and continue to care for our local community.”

The appeal of the new $115 million Wonthaggi Hospital enticed the graduates to choose BCH.

Graduate endorsed nurse Maddie Watt said, “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the new hospital.”

Midwifery graduate Shawnte Smith is a registered nurse undertaking her graduate diploma in midwifery.

“This is my dream job. I had one of my placements here and I loved it,” Shawnte said.