Bass Coast Health (BCH) has welcomed the 2023 intake of Graduate Nurses who are fresh from completing their tertiary training.
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.
“Our Learning and Development Team 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,” she 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. At BCH, we are passionate about developing a home-grown workforce.”
The appeal of the new $115m Wonthaggi Hospital and an expanded Learning and Development Team enticed the Graduates to choose BCH for their Graduate Year.
Graduate Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Maddie Watt said, “I’ve heard a lot of great things about the new hospital.”
Graduate Registered Nurse Zoe Brannaghan wants to care for her local community.
Another Graduate, Cassy Anagnostou, completed her RUSON (Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing) placement with BCH, saying, “I really like the work culture here.”
BCH also welcomed Midwifery Graduate Shawnte Smith, who 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,” she said.
BCH Graduate Coordinator Jo O’Connor said the Graduates had completed online and practical competencies during their orientation days with the Learning and Development Team.
“This will enable them to have the confidence and skills required to provide supportive and safe care to themselves and those they will be caring for,” she said.
“I am so grateful to have an amazing team around me, providing the support and understanding needed to coordinate this exciting program. This enables our graduates to thrive and be the best nurses they can be in the safe and caring environment that Bass Coast Health provides.”