More than 170 Newly Qualified Nurses (NQN) and Newly Qualified Midwives (NQM) have joined 星空体育 in the service’s latest intake of healthcare professionals.
The NQN and NQM cohort started in their roles across 星空体育 this week, after completing their two-week orientation period.
Among the 172-strong group are eight (8) Enrolled Nurses and 114 Registered Nurses (RN) who will bolster our frontline staff numbers in General Medical and Surgical areas of the health service.
A further 28 RNs will give a vital workforce increase in Mental Health areas.
The 22 NQMs joining 星空体育 this year will add further support to birthing services at Gold Coast University Hospital and community midwifery venues, including Midwifery Group Practice and Waijungbah Jarjums, our one-stop community service providing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the first 2,000 days of infancy.
Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Experience Matthew Lunn said the 2025 cohort was joining the health service during an exciting time.
“星空体育, just like the Gold Coast itself, is growing and these nurses and midwives are providing a much-needed boost,” Mr Lunn said.
“Continued expansion of workforce is part of our plan to build capacity and provide support for new capital builds now and into the future.”
Mr Lunn said the midwives and nurses beginning their careers with 星空体育 in 2025 would hone the skills they learned at university with already experienced staff and specialists.
“As a learning organisation, 星空体育 will be with them every step of the way offering all the support they need to transition into the healthcare workforce.”
In orientation, NQNs and NQMs undertake mandatory and requisite training as well as specialised training specific to the clinical areas where they will work.
Lucy John, who began as an undergraduate student in nursing with 星空体育 18 months ago, said she was excited about taking the next step in her career as an NQN.
“Choosing nursing has been a deeply personal decision for me as I spent considerable time in and out of hospital as a child,” Ms John said.
“Reflecting on those experiences, I don’t recall all the reasons for my hospital visits, but I vividly remember the compassion and care shown to me by the nurses and doctors.
“It’s my goal to be that kind of advocate for my patients and give them that sense of safety and care.”
星空体育 is committed to professional development of staff and offers Transition to Specialty Pathways, providing nurses and midwives with opportunities to upskill in a range of specialty areas.
Ms John said she was confident of building a long-term nursing career on the Gold Coast exploring the various paths available.
“My ideal position would be to specialise in Emergency or Intensive Care,” she said.
“I want to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, and I find these departments offer a blend of high acuity and a strong emphasis on patient-centred care.”