Queensland hospitals welcome next generation of nurses and midwives

More than 1100 new nurses and midwives will begin their careers in Queensland public hospitals over the coming weeks, as part of the 2017 graduate nurse and midwife intake.

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Cameron Dick said it was an exciting time for the new starters, many of whom will have taken up their posts this week.

“All of these people face a challenging year ahead as they learn to navigate their important new roles and start to implement everything they’ve learned up until this point,” Mr Dick said.

“While most nursing positions are in the traditional medical and surgical ward environments, others will be in specialised areas such as emergency and mental health.

“Graduate midwives will practice in community antenatal and postnatal services, and hospital-based maternity services and birthing centres.”

Nursing graduate Rosemary Daly was excited to start work at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital this week, where she joined her mother Mary and older sister Madeleine as the third Daly to become a registered nurse at the hospital.

“We all share the same passion for paediatric nursing so this has definitely influenced my career choice,” Ms Daly said.

“I enjoy working with kids and at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, I have a great opportunity to gain so much experience in different paediatric specialties.”

Mr Dick said the number of nursing and midwifery graduates opting for placement in Queensland proved the state remained a popular choice for a nursing or midwifery career.

“The Palaszczuk Government has delivered 3000 additional nurses and midwives and 800 doctors to the front line,” Mr Dick said.

“Nurses and midwives are the backbone of our health system and they are vital in improving people’s general health and wellbeing.

“That is why the Palaszczuk Government has implemented a number of initiatives to not only provide more nurses and midwives for our hospitals, but also improve their workplaces, scope of practice and career development opportunities.

“A strong, educated workforce of nursing and midwifery professionals is vital in achieving our goal of ensuring Queenslanders become among the healthiest people in the world by 2026.

“I welcome them to the Queensland public health system and thank them for the roles they will play in helping reach this goal and improving the lives of Queenslanders.”

ENDS

Media contact:       

Emma McBryde                    0400 622 433