News
Sunshine Coast hospitals welcome record number of new nursing graduates
Mar 18, 2022
Ramsay Health Care hospitals on the Sunshine Coast have welcomed a record intake of 30 nursing graduates, as the industry works to recover from staffing shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The introduction of 30 graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) is a 130 percent increase on the intake at the same time last year.
Noosa Hospital is now home to 14 new RNs, up from just four in 2021, while Nambour Selangor Private Hospital has seven new graduates, also up from four last year. Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital has nine new RN’s (up from five in 2021) and for the first time they’ll all be working in operating theatres.
CEO Justin Greenwell says the new graduates will receive plenty of support as they begin their new roles.
“Like many industries, workforce shortages have been a significant challenge over the past two years, so it’s wonderful to welcome so many new members to our nursing team,” Mr Greenwell said.
“To ensure they feel supported, Ramsay Health Care has introduced a buddy system so there is someone to regularly check in on the new grads’ wellbeing and progress. We’ve also increased the educational support available to them.
“Ramsay Health Care has also invested in our nurse leaders with a new leadership program focused on creating exciting career pathways for them.”
Among the new graduates is an RN who has been working at Noosa Hospital for five years.
Emma Perry began her career as a Catering Assistance at the hospital in 2017 and was inspired to join the team of nurses helping Sunshine Coast residents.
“I had always been interested in caring for others however I never knew that I wanted to become a nurse until I started at Noosa Hospital,” Ms Perry said.
“I love that every single day I look forward to going to work, each day is different and a challenge in one way or another.
“If you’re considering becoming a nurse it’ll be the best life decision you make.”
Across the nation Ramsay Health Care welcomed a record 550 new graduates in February, a 25 percent increase on 2021’s intake. The nation’s largest private healthcare provider plans to work closely with educational institutions, including TAFEs, to attract more students into nursing.