Central West HHS welcomes eight nurse graduates

“We hope their first year of practice in the Central West will open their eyes to the opportunities and diverse range of professional experiences available in our region.”

Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Danielle Causer (front left) and the health service's eight new July intake nurse graduates

Sixteen new nurse graduates have joined the Central West Hospital and Health Service so far this year, learning rurally while assisting local communities.

Executive director of nursing and midwifery services Danielle Causer said eight graduates started in February with a further eight in July.

“We’re very excited to have this new group of graduates choose to start their nursing careers with our health service,’’ she said.

Ms Causer said the eight graduate nurses would be allocated initially to Longreach and Blackall hospitals as well as to the Winton and Barcaldine multipurpose health services.

“Graduates will work in the clinical areas of acute medical, surgical, emergency, community and primary health and support the hospital-based ambulance,’’ Ms Causer said.

“After six months at their initial location, they will then have the opportunity to work in another facility.

“They will be able to learn on the job and translate the skills they’ve learnt at university into better outcomes for patients across our region.’’

Central West Hospital and Health Service Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Danielle Causer and new nurse graduate Matthew Yarsley, who is bound for Blackall Hospital.

New graduate Matthew Yarsley is looking forward to placement at Blackall Hospital for his first six months after completing orientation at Longreach Hospital at the beginning of July.

Mr Yarsley traded in a previous career as a teacher to take on his new profession of nursing after completing his nursing degree at Queensland University of Technology.

“As a teacher, I’d previously worked in rural and remote areas, including the Northern Territory, so I’m used to the rural environment’’ he said.

“After finishing my degree, I was looking for an adventure and something different than being in the city.

“I also have friends in the Central West who encouraged me to come out this way and start my nursing career here.’’

Ms Causer said Central West Health was committed to providing training opportunities for graduate nurses, as well as midwives.

“They are an important part of our team, and we value the contribution they will make,’’ she said.

“We hope their first year of practice in the Central West will open their eyes to the opportunities and diverse range of professional experiences available in our region and opt to continue their career with us in the future.’’

Originally published as Central West HHS welcomes eight nurse graduates