HEALTH MINISTER WELCOMES GRADUATE NURSES TO QEII HOSPITAL

6 February 2008

Health Minister Stephen Robertson visited Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital today to welcome aboard 11 graduate nurses who started their professional careers at the hospital.

“These graduate nurses are among the record 914 nurses entering the health system for the first time at public hospitals throughout Queensland in 2008,” Mr Robertson said.

“That’s 156 more graduate nurses than started in January 2006 at the beginning of the State Government’s $10 billion Health Action Plan.

This year’s employment of 11 graduate nurses at QEII is already two more than the 9 nurses who commenced in the hospital’s 2007 intake.

“The QEII graduate nurses undertook a week of orientation in late January and have since been allocated to clinical practice areas,” Mr Robertson said.

“Over the coming year the graduates will take on rotations in a variety of clinical care environments, including the operating theatres, emergency, orthopaedic, surgical, medical and geriatric units.

“They will encounter a range of shifts and situations, from basic patient care to assisting with complex surgical procedures.”

The nurses will be supported by a comprehensive new graduate transition program which includes orientation, preceptorship and additional professional development opportunities.

“In order to successfully complete their graduate year the nurses must meet set objectives as well as pass a number of practical competency assessments throughout the year,” Mr Robertson said.

“Upon completion of the transition program the nurses will work both autonomously and collaboratively with their healthcare colleagues.

“They will have the knowledge, skills and training to make complex clinical decisions and develop, monitor and implement healthcare plans for patients.

“I hope these graduate nurses enjoy their introduction to nursing at QEII Hospital and choose to further develop their careers in the local area,” Mr Robertson said.

All graduate nurses must be registered with the independent Queensland Nursing Council before they commence work.

MEDIA: AMANDA FROUDE 3225 2680