Dozens of new nurses to help FNQ save lives

A 21-year-old inspired to take up nursing after losing two of her grandparents to cancer was among a cohort of 85 new graduate nurses and midwives clocking on at the Cairns Hospital. Read the details here.

A 21-year-old inspired to take up nursing after losing two of her grandparents to cancer was among a cohort of 85 new graduate nurses and midwives clocking on at the Cairns Hospital on Tuesday.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health service is taking on the new graduates in a program that has them completing two six-month rotations here in Cairns, then heading out to rural health services.

Indira Lena, 21, said her driving motivation to becoming a nurse was watching two grandparents die of cancer, and being able to help both the victims and their families get through it.

“I always liked helping people,” she said.

“Being raised as a local of Cairns has really made me want to give back to the community around me.”

The 2023 intake of nurses and midwives at Cairns and Hinterland hospital service. Photo: Kristina Puljak

She said her passion for nursing was fostered at university and given the chance to grow, looking after patients at her placement at Yarrabah Health Service.

“I think it’s incredible to see someone so dependant be able to eventually live their own lives again,” Ms Lena said.

Alongside Ms Lena, Ebonie Campbell is one of the new RNs starting work this week.

Ms Campbell is starting in Cairns Hospital rehabilitation and acute stroke unit and is excited to “give back to the community.”

“I used to be in admin but for my whole life I’ve wanted to do work where I am helping people and making a difference,” she said.

“My mum works in mental health for Queensland Health and seeing what she has done with her career has played a big part in inspiring me to go to nursing.”

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service director of nursing and midwifery Cameron Duffy said the graduates would work in all areas of the health service, including cancer care, day surgery, orthopaedics, respiratory and renal ward, gastroenterology ward, and mental health.

“Welcoming 85 new nurses and midwives is a huge increase from previous years, especially after Covid,” he said.

“Nurses are so important to our community, they are the key to making the entire health system work.

“With a structures framework, we help them apply theory and practise to further develop their knowledge and skills.”

Director of midwifery and nursing Cameron Dufy with new registered nurses Ebonie Campbell and Indira Lena. Photo: Kristina Puljak

Originally published as Dozens of new nurses to help FNQ save lives