Approximately 67 new graduate RNs/RMs will join the Western NSW Local Health District workforce in the region’s hospitals. 

Brad Molenkamp, Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Bathurst Hospital, said the Transition to Practice Program provides ongoing education and support to new RNs/RMs to enable them to transition from a novice to an advanced beginner nurse. 

The program provides opportunities and support for these RNs/RMs to consolidate their nursing skills and knowledge. 

Mr Molenkamp said the goals of the Transition to Practice Program are to develop clinical competence, facilitate professional practice behaviours, enhance job satisfaction and inspire commitment to our Local Health District.

“The quality of the transition year directly influences retention in our facilities and in nursing generally,” he said.

“The investment of time and effort to support and educate these RNs/RMs is significant; however the benefits for staff, facilities and our communities are many. 

“Our goal as an organisation is to help them develop and continue working with us beyond their transition year,” he said.

Four of the nurses began their orientation last week and another will start in August.

The graduate nurses will be located in the rehabilitation unit, surgical and medical wards, and operating theatres at Bathurst Hospital.

They will spend 12 months at the facility, with the option of staying on if there is a position available.

“There are a lot of local graduates who want to stay in the region and we try to facilitate that,” Mr Molenkamp said.

Our four local graduate nurses are Hannah Laughton (Orange), Jenna Ryan (Blayney), Gemma Conroy (Hartley) and James Adams (Oberon).

Gemma said she is very happy to be selected to work at Bathurst Hospital.

“We are very lucky. There were 3000 applicants and only 1800 jobs,” she said.

All the graduates studied at CSU in Bathurst.

They will each have the chance to work in two different departments.