More than 210 nursing graduates have immersed themselves at Metro South Health’s Graduate Open Day as they prepare to officially embark on their careers in health.
The annual event is an opportunity for nursing and midwifery graduates from universities across Southeast Queensland to experience all PA Hospital has to offer.
Staff from a variety of wards set up interactive stalls and were on hand to welcome the grads and answer any questions about a day in the life at PAH.
For QUT’s Olivia and Dusty, the day was an exciting insight into the tertiary health care centre.
“I really want to join the PA because of the community,” said Olivia.
“I’ve been on placement here for four weeks in theatre and it’s been amazing. The staff have all been so welcoming, and the facilities are amazing here,” she said.
“It’s my second last day of placement and I’m devastated to be finishing,” said Dusty. “I just want to do my eight-week placement here as well.
“I’m in PACU at the moment and I have absolutely loved it, it feels so exciting and the team are wonderful.
“I feel very supported, and it’s a really nice environment for learning. I’ve learnt so much while being here and would love to get a grad spot,” she said.
The enthusiasm from the entire group was certainly felt on the day, with Nurse Educator Megan Wise grateful to all staff who are eager to support the grads during their transition into nursing.
“The PA Open Day is a very special day in the graduate programs calendar,” she said.
“This is a day when we can spend some time with the future nursing workforce and inspire nursing graduates to come and work with us in a supportive clinical and educational environment to promote confidence in their clinical practice.
“We are able to reassure the nursing graduates that we will be there to provide educational and supportive tools to build an enriching and rewarding professional career.
“We received some excellent feedback, with grads telling us the day was insightful, valuable, and welcoming, which was fantastic to hear.”