More than 100 new graduate Registered and Enrolled nurses joined Canberra Health Services this month, boosting Canberra's healthcare workforce.
The nurses are joined by 95 Junior Medical Officers who recently began their first year or intern year of supervised training before they are eligible to be granted general medical registration.
Around 130 Junior Medical Officers have also transferred from other hospitals and programs to the ACT to continue their training as residents or registrars.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new staff have commenced across all areas during their first rotation including operating theatres, acute wards, the emergency department, mental health, rehabilitation, and women, youth and children's services.
"This month, we'll see more than 300 healthcare workers join Canberra Health Services and I know our newest health professionals are passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment and care to our community.
"Canberra Health Services has a strong commitment to providing support and guidance to the newest members of our workforce. This includes additional training, connecting graduates with senior staff members and supporting the health and wellbeing of newcomers.
"This is the start of many long and successful health careers. I welcome every new staff member and thank them for the contribution they will make in the years to come," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Canberra Health Services Executive Director of Medical Services, Grant Howard said it was exciting to see the JMOs in action during their first few weeks on the floor.
"These 95 JMOs were selected from over 200 applicants for the highly competitive internship program. Congratulations on joining our team and we look forward to continuing to provide the exceptional medical training needed to kickstart your careers," Dr Howard said.
Canberra Health Services Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Support Services, Kellie Lang said the graduate nurses will be joining an experienced and hardworking team, who are looking forward to passing on their years of knowledge and expertise.
"For some nurses this is their first career, while others have chosen nursing as a career change later in life. Either way, it is exciting seeing the next generation coming through and choosing a fulfilling career in nursing," Ms Lang said.
Of the 87 graduate Registered Nurses who completed a degree program, 39 completed their Bachelor of Nursing Degree at the University of Canberra, with the remainder completing their studies at the Australian Catholic University or interstate.
Of the 95 JMOs in Canberra Health Services' internship program, nearly two-thirds completed their studies at the Australian National University Medical School, with 65 interns starting their rotation at the Canberra Hospital, 22 starting at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, and eight starting at smaller regional hospitals in NSW.
University of Canberra Faculty of Health Executive Dean, Professor Michelle Lincoln said "It's so exciting to see our nursing graduates start their careers with Canberra Health Services. Our partnership enables students to gain the practical skills and experience they need to become health care professionals, and we're so proud to see so many of them go on to support the community in their roles with Canberra Health Services."
