More than 3600 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their career across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year in a major boost for patients and communities throughout the state.
The latest intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18% increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia ever.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, many of whom start work across NSW public hospitals this month.
"This is an exciting time for the thousands of graduate nurses and midwives who are starting their careers in our world-class health system and it's a terrific day for our state," Mr Perrottet said.
"Our nurses and midwives are highly valued and it's encouraging to see so many people joining their profession, perhaps inspired by the commitment shown by our frontline services in recent years."
"The dedication and professionalism of our nurses and midwives across the state is nothing short of extraordinary," Mr Hazzard said.
"These enthusiastic graduates have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our healthcare system at a time when it continues to adapt and innovate to the changes and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic."
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health have chosen to work in our rural and regional hospitals.
"It is so wonderful to see so many nurses and midwives either choosing to move to the bush or returning home so they can care for their communities," Mrs Taylor said.
"As someone who spent the best part of their nursing career at a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience these new nurses will gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.
"On behalf of our regional communities, I am thrilled to welcome this next generation of nurses and midwives and wish all our new starters the very best of luck as they embark on their new career."
NSW Health's Chief Nursing & Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross, said the new graduates will make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.
"Remember what you do as nurses and midwives is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities," Ms Cross said.
"The commitment, compassion and skills you bring to the role make a huge difference and contribute greatly to the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW."
NSW Health has the largest health system in the country and employs more than 53,000 nurses and midwives, more than ever before.
Overall, between mid-2012 and mid-2022 NSW Health increased its workforce by an additional 25,700 full time equivalent staff - an increase of 25.2%, including 9340 more nurses and midwives, 4140 more doctors, and 2490 more allied health staff.
The NSW Government recently announced the largest workforce boost in the nation's history in the 2022-23 Budget with a $4.5 billion investment over 4 years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.
