Emma Pritchard
The Clarence Valley has welcomed a record 25 new graduate nurses and midwives who are beginning their professional careers at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) and Maclean Hospital in 2023, alongside seven enrolled nurses who are also joining the local ranks.
When Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson met the group last week, they told them the Clarence Valley community is “very happy that you are here.”
“We are all so lucky that you have chosen to live and work in the Clarence Valley,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“It’s terrific to welcome you all, this is a record intake, and it’s also terrific that you have chosen to work in a regional area.”
“Chris and I offer you the warmest of welcomes to the Clarence Valley,” Mr Williamson said.
“You have made a choice you will not regret.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor, a former nurse and current NSW Nationals Deputy Leader, said that more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health have chosen to work in regional hospitals.
“It is 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,” she said.
“The latest state wide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 percent increase on last year.
“It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.”
Luke Radosevich has been working at GBH for five months as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) prior to commencing his enrolled Nursing Newfound Graduate Program.
Originally from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Mr Radosevich told the Clarence Valley Independent he enjoys the diverse range of work opportunities available at GBH.
“I enjoy being sociable with the patients, getting to know their backgrounds, and seeing how I can assist them so they can leave hospital sooner and return home,” he said.
After working locally as a pharmacy assistant for 20 years, born and bred Clarence Valley resident Rebecca Gilkinson decided to pursue a career change.
Describing nursing as a subject which “was always on the cards,” she completed her studies at the Southern Cross University campus in Coffs Harbour and is loving her current role as a new graduate in the GBH Oncology Unit.
“I think it’s a very rewarding and highly skilled job, and I’m looking forward to learning more and doing what I can to assist patients in my local community,” she said.