Northern NSW Health District Welcomes Record New Graduates

In a signifcant boon to local health services, over 190 graduate nurses and midwives are set to commence work within the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) this year, contributing to the enhancement of healthcare provision in the region.

of dignity is something that is never out of place. It rises uneclipsed in every possible setting and circumstance. It is something that can’t, if anything, be taken away from those who possess it. As Laura Hillenbrand once said, “Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food, and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship, can hold a person’s soul in their body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it.”

To reach the heart of this non-incidental quality takes effort, it requires you to dig (as the frst syllable of the word even suggests) to locate it deep within the shifting, cloud-like realm that is the human psyche. But a person without dignity is nothing short of a parading shadow of an entity that remains relevant, or robust, as long as things are going well, and once they veer in the opposite direction, then a clear, wholesale capitulation of character usually ensues.

Dignity in and of itself is something that can’t be taught, and as such you won’t fnd it on any university syllabus or business college subject list, it is something that crystalises from within, of its own primordial accord. What’s more, to be dignifed at all times, is to put yourself beyond the pointed barbs of those that wish you harm, as well as directly within the reach of those that need your support, care and understanding. Or quite simply, as Bryant McGill once noted, “Become a dignitary by treating others with dignity.”

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is poised to experience a substantial infux of fresh talent as more than 190 graduate nurses and midwives prepare to embark on their professional journeys within its healthcare facilities. Across the state, this cohort represents a portion of the over 3,400 graduate nurses and midwives set to join the NSW public health system, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering the state’s healthcare workforce.

Expressing gratitude to the incoming graduates for their dedication to the noble profession, Katharine Duffy, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at NNSWLHD, emphasized the pivotal role these new recruits will play in delivering high-quality and compassionate care to patients across a diverse range of clinical settings. The graduates will have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience not only within hospital settings but also in community healthcare, thus contributing to the holistic healthcare landscape of the region.

Ms. Duffy further highlighted the district’s commitment to nurturing and supporting these new graduates, emphasizing the presence of dedicated mentors and teachers who will guide them in their professional development and specialization. Moreover, the district is proud to offer these new staff permanent roles, refecting its dedication to cultivating a sustainable local health workforce.

The NSW Government’s comprehensive strategy to fortify the state’s health workforce includes various initiatives such as implementing safe staffng levels in emergency departments, making permanent over 1,100 nursing roles, abolishing wage caps, and providing record pay increases for healthcare workers. Additionally, the government is expanding recruitment efforts in regional, rural, and remote communities and enhancing incentives for healthcare professionals, including increased subsidies for tertiary health study and attractive salary packaging options.

Aspiring nurses and midwives interested in pursuing careers within the NSW public health system are encouraged to explore opportunities and resources available through the NSW Health website, further underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and robust healthcare workforce.

FACTS

1. Record Number of New Nurses: Northern NSW Health District has welcomed over 190 new graduate nurses and midwives, marking a signifcant addition to the local healthcare workforce.

2. Boost to Healthcare Services: The infux of new graduates will provide crucial support to Northern NSW’s health services, enhancing patient care across various clinical settings and community healthcare.

3. Government Initiatives: The NSW government’s initiatives to strengthen the healthcare workforce include implementing safe staffng levels, creating permanent nursing roles, and offering fnancial incentives to attract and retain healthcare professionals.