LGH welcomes new cohort of nurses
Hospitals North has welcomed more than 60 graduate and enrolled nurses.
February 15, 2024
More than 270 graduate nurses have joined Tasmania’s health system, with the first round of newcomers commencing across hospital and mental health services last week.
This includes more than 60 graduate and enrolled nurses for Hospitals North, working across 30 clinical areas throughout the region - including the Launceston General Hospital.
The graduates are part of the state’s Transition to Practice program, which supports the next generation of Tasmania’s nursing workforce.
Graduates who have recently qualified as a Registered Nurse and have less than six months post-registration experience were eligible to apply for the Transition to Practice program, providing valuable supported experience at the start of their career.
These new nurses represent the largest intake for the year with smaller intakes scheduled for mid-year.
Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Danielle Causer, Clinical Nurse Educator - Transition to Practice Helen Gulliver, TtP nurses Lucy Cooper, Harriet Symes, Nina Westwood-Card and Makenna Hillier with Nursing Director Education and Training Julia Bullock
Health Minister Guy Barnett welcomed the new cohort and wished them all the best for their future careers.
“This is a momentous time for these graduates as they progress their careers in nursing in our health system,” he said.
“The Transition to Practice program provides a great level of additional support for graduate nurses, with support tailored to the requirements of the graduate’s new role.
“Making the change from student to registered health professional can be daunting so the transition support that our services provide is critical to a great start for our graduates.”
Last week the newcomers attended induction and onboarding sessions, before hitting the wards and services on Friday.
The LGH also hosted a welcome morning tea to allow an opportunity for the graduates and clinical staff to connect.
Nursing Director Education and Training Julia Bullock said: "We are so excited to welcome our new graduate nurses and look forward to seeing their successes throughout the year and beyond”.
