Living the nurse’s dream
New staff start at hospital
FOR graduate nurses Skye Burke and Karla Schwerin, this week was not only the start of a new job, it was the start of a long-held dream.
Ms Burke and Ms Schwerin are part of the biggest intake of graduate nurses and midwives to start with the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS).
The pair will start work at the Chinchilla Hospital next week as registered nurses, after spending four days at Toowoomba Hospital completing orientation.
“For me, starting work as a nurse is fulfilling a dream I’ve had for a long time,” Ms Schwerin said.
“It’s a very exciting time.” Both Ms Burke and Ms Schwerin completed their university studies externally while also looking after their respective young families.
“It was a tough slog, but I am proud of what I’ve done,” Ms Burke said.
“Now is the time we start to put everything into practice.
“It’s a big responsibility, and not one I take lightly, but we have the right supports in place to help us along.”
Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles said the new graduates were part of more than 1400 new nursing and midwifery graduates starting across Queensland in 2018.
“The 95 new graduate nurses will this week begin what I’m sure will be long and rewarding careers in health care,” Mr Miles said.
“Darling Downs hospitals are a great learning ground for nurses, where they are under supervision from some very experienced and passionate clinicians.
“I wish them all the very best in their new careers as nurses and midwives.”
DDHHS Nursing and Midwifery Services Executive Director Andrea Nagle also welcomed the 2018 cohort.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome our new graduate nurses into our service,” Ms Nagle said.
“We look forward to supporting them in their transition to registered nurse/midwifery roles where they will provide care to our patients throughout the DDHHS.”
The orientation week is an opportunity for the graduate nurses and midwives to familiarise themselves with the values and visions of the DDHHS, as well learn more about their colleagues and new careers.