RECORD NUMBER OF GRADUATE NURSES COMMENCE IN ACT HEALTH

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, today welcomed the 86 graduate nurses who commenced in the ACT Health Graduate Nurse Program this week.

"The program's reputation, graduate support, educational opportunities and the chance for diverse clinical placements across the organisation have attracted a record number of participants this year," Ms Gallagher said.

"Other graduates have indicated that they chose the program as they wanted to live in Canberra and work for ACT Health due to its excellent reputation.

"Evidence of the quality of the program can also be found in the graduate nurse retention rate for ACT Health, which has risen from 85 to 96 per cent over the last few years."

During the course of the program, each graduate nurse will generally undertake three clinical placements throughout ACT Health with some electing to complete a specialty stream such as oncology, Peri-operative or Mental Health nursing.

This year, further opportunities have been offered in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit for nurses who want to work in these areas.

"Six candidates already employed as enrolled nurses will transfer to Registered Nurse positions and two candidates already employed as technical officers in ACT Health will also make the transition to a Registered Nurse," Ms Gallagher said.

"I am very pleased to welcome our new nurse graduates for 2010 and I know they will play a vital part in safeguarding the health of the ACT community well into the future."

Media Contact:

Kathryn Roberts
T: (02) 6205 0242
M: 0402 399 907
E: kathryn.roberts@act.gov.au