Over 90 nursing graduates joined us at Princess Alexandra Hospital last week for its Metro South Health (MSH) Graduate Nurse Programs Open Day, as the team gear up for September placements.
The annual event, which welcomes nursing and midwifery graduates from universities across Southeast Queensland, offers attendees a window into what a career at PAH looks like with representatives from all MSH facilities holding interactive stalls.
Registered nurse and peer mentor Josie Taylor was at the event to welcome the grads, stating she feels privileged to support them in the transition.
“I'm really passionate about new staff coming into the hospital and creating an environment that is safe for them - it's a really great place to work,” she said.
“I love talking to people about what the graduate transition is like and supporting them in that process.”
Josie, who first joined PAH in 2019 as an enrolled nurse, reflects on her own transition into nursing and feels excited to now share her knowledge with the new graduates.
“I remember this time and it was very nerve-racking, but I'm glad I can be here to reassure people that it's going to be okay,” she said.
“I don't want people to be hard on themselves. I'm excited about letting them know that there's going to be a friendly face here when they come.”
Josie says the best aspect of working at PAH is the total support she has received from her team over the years.
“I started in mental health as an enrolled nurse, then I worked in 5C as an enrolled nurse, then as a registered nurse, then went to CCU and continued on.
“My favourite thing about my role is that I can do anything I set my mind to, whether that's working on the ward, or working alongside people or in education. I can do that, and I'm supported for that here.
“I’m really grateful for everybody I work with, because they allow me to do all the things that I'm passionate about, and it doesn't stop.”
Josie’s only advice to new graduates is to be kind to themselves and ask a lot of questions.
“Always ask that stupid question, because it's not stupid and it's going to shape your future.”