More than 3,600 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 per cent increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia ever.
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates 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 per cent, including 9,340 more nurses and midwives, 4,140 more doctors, and 2,490 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 four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.
