“It takes a village to raise a graduate, and we have a supportive and compassionate village led by our Nursing Education Clinical Facilitators here at QEII.”
The small but extraordinary village behind QEII Hospital’s Graduate Nurse Program (the Graduate Support Team) has welcomed a record 60 nursing graduates in the 2024 intake, up 300 per cent from 2020 figures.
Marking a second milestone in their 2024 calendar, the Graduate Support Team were named Team of the Year at QEII’s International Nurses Day (IND) Awards in May.
Program Coordinator and Nurse Educator Renee Langridge says the recognition is a testament to the team’s exemplary commitment to enhancing the graduate nurse experience at QEII, as facilitators and as role models, by demonstrating the Metro South Health iCARE2 Values throughout their work.
“Our Clinical Facilitators (CFs) are there to provide a safe space throughout the transition from student to graduate nurse, which can be an exciting yet daunting experience for new nurses. They help with everything from clinical coaching at the bedside to emotional support, as well as skills like communication and confidence-building. It’s an all-encompassing role, and it’s great to see that wealth of input recognised,” she said.
The team includes four Clinical Facilitators from a range of specialties, working elbow-to-elbow with graduates to guide and instil resilience, both inside and outside the clinical environment.
“The team come from all different backgrounds, from medical to surgical and ED, and they’re able to take that experience throughout the hospital. We’re lucky to have a team of people who are passionate about supporting grads. They remember what it was like to be brand new to nursing, and they show a lot of compassion and empathy,” said Renee.
“Throughout the 12-month Graduate Program, we’re there to celebrate the highs with the grads, but we’re also there to support them through any difficult phases of their transition to nurse life.”
Renee says the program’s demonstrable growth over the last three years speaks to the team’s supportive culture and holistic approach, with the benefits resonating among staff and graduates.
“Graduates gain the theoretical knowledge they need at university, but the research shows us they need a different kind of support as they transition to the hospital environment and apply that theory to practise. The work the Graduate Support Team do is vital to ensure graduates have a soft landing and a strong start to their careers, while ensuring graduate nurse satisfaction and retention,” she explained.
As she celebrates a decade in the role, Renee has some valuable advice for future graduates.
“The graduate year is a rollercoaster, but it’s also going to be one of the best times of your life. There are challenges that come with nursing, but there’s also a wealth of opportunity to fulfil your career goals. The graduate year is a really exciting time, and the feeling of knowing you’ve finally made it as a Registered Nurse is something to look forward to.
“One of my favourite sayings is, It'll be alright in the end, and if it's not alright, it's not the end. The Graduate Support Team are there until the end, supporting the graduates as they blossom into confident and capable new practitioners, and remaining friendly and supportive colleagues as the grads continue at QEII after their program ends.”
Congratulations to the whole team on this fantastic achievement, and thank you for your continued dedication to the future nurses of QEII.