13 February 2024

We are so excited to have welcomed 210 new graduate registered nurses to Austin Health, in the last two weeks.

Our January graduates started in January and went through hospital orientation before starting on the clinical areas and wards. Two weeks later, we had our February group start their Austin Health journey. Our third and final intake will commence later in the year in May.

This is our largest ever graduate registered nurses cohort at Austin Health. Overall, we have four total streams, General, Mental Health, Combined and newest stream, Perioperative.

"It's our priority to warmly welcome our graduates to the organisation, preparing them with tools and strategies to provide high quality patient and consumer care. The graduate nurses play an essential role in supporting Austin Health's nursing workforce," says Cecilia Ly, Education Coordinator.

New graduate Bianca, who is in the General stream, spoke of why she chose Austin Health.

"Where do I begin?! Austin Health has an amazing reputation. I have three friends who have completed their graduate years and have continued to work at Austin Health for many years, and their stories and experiences have motivated me to work there! My dad has also received exceptional care at the Apheresis clinic in the ONJ Centre, and his positive experience there has also made a lasting impact me."

Kit, who will begin her year in the Mental Health stream adds "I studied nursing as a mature age student because I was looking to have a direct positive impact on my community."

"I wanted a job that could suit my varied (and changing) interests with the broad choice of areas you can work across. I think nursing is a great for someone like me who likes to travel, plans on having a family, and will be working until almost 70!"