Published Friday, 15 February, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
HEALTH MINISTER WELCOMES GRADUATE NURSES TO LOGAN HOSPITAL
15 February 2008
Health Minister Stephen Robertson visited Logan Hospital today to welcome aboard 35 graduate nurses who started their professional careers at the hospital last month.
“These graduate nurses are among the record 914 nurses entering the health system for the first time in 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 35 graduate nurses at Logan is close to the record intake of 41 nurses who commenced at hospital in 2007.
“The Logan 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 these nurses will encounter a range of shifts and situations, from basic patient care to assisting with complex surgical procedures.
“Logan Hospital has a clinical facilitator specifically employed to provide support to these new graduates.
“The nurses will also be supported through a comprehensive Graduate Nurse 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 Logan 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