Graduate nurses at Wonthaggi Hospital, from left, Julie Hawkins, Nicola Eccles, Anais Sibly, Gemma Hughes, Kate Brosnan, Bella Lockett, Maggie Gibson, Emma Evans, Hannah Sellings, Georgia Dakin, Bonny Huitema and Charlotte Roberts.
By Brad Lester
GRADUATE nurses have begun caring for communities after being welcomed at hospitals within the Bayside Health Regional Care Group.
The nurses will work and learn at Wonthaggi, Leongatha, Korumburra and Kooweerup hospitals, and the San Remo-based District Nursing service.
Many of the graduates studied for their Bachelor of Nursing degrees through Federation University’s blended campus at Wonthaggi Hospital, which enables students to gain their qualification locally, without needing to travel for practical classes and placements.
GRADUATE nurses have begun caring for communities after being welcomed at hospitals within the Bayside Health Regional Care Group.
The nurses will work and learn at Wonthaggi, Leongatha, Korumburra and Kooweerup hospitals, and the San Remo-based District Nursing service.
Many of the graduates studied for their Bachelor of Nursing degrees through Federation University’s blended campus at Wonthaggi Hospital, which enables students to gain their qualification locally, without needing to travel for practical classes and placements.
The new cohort will be supported by experienced clinical teams and educators as they develop their skills, contribute to high-quality care, and help meet the health needs of the community, close to home.
Wonthaggi Hospital and San Remo’s District Nursing service welcomed 10 graduate registered nurses and two graduate registered midwives, all but one local to the area. Leongatha Memorial Hospital and Korumburra Hospital welcomed 11 nurses.
Over the next 12 months, they will complete structured clinical rotations across aged care, the general ward and urgent care.
Wonthaggi Hospital and San Remo’s District Nursing service welcomed 10 graduate registered nurses and two graduate registered midwives, all but one local to the area. Leongatha Memorial Hospital and Korumburra Hospital welcomed 11 nurses.
Over the next 12 months, they will complete structured clinical rotations across aged care, the general ward and urgent care.
‘I would not have been able to pursue nursing if I had to travel further afield.’ |
Bonny Huitema, who will do her first rotation with District Nursing, was among the Federation University students.
“It’s a great program. It was nice to be able to study locally and even do my placement locally because with a family to look after, I would not have been able to pursue nursing if I had to travel further afield,” she said.
Maggie Gibson was an enrolled nurse for three years on Wonthaggi Hospital’s sub-acute ward and also completed her studies through Federation University at Wonthaggi Hospital.
“The program worked really well for me and enabled me to upskill and pursue a career,” she said, noting she will undertake her first rotation in the emergency department at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Wonthaggi Hospital will welcome a second intake in April, with a further nine graduate registered nurses and four graduate enrolled nurses. This will make for a total of 25 graduates for 2026.
Bayside Health Regional Care Group CEO Louise Sparkes said investing in early career nurses was essential to the long-term sustainability of rural health services.
“By offering ongoing employment, we are making it clear that our graduates are valued, supported and essential for the long term,” she said.
“Our communities benefit from continuity of care and a stable, growing workforce.”
“It’s a great program. It was nice to be able to study locally and even do my placement locally because with a family to look after, I would not have been able to pursue nursing if I had to travel further afield,” she said.
Maggie Gibson was an enrolled nurse for three years on Wonthaggi Hospital’s sub-acute ward and also completed her studies through Federation University at Wonthaggi Hospital.
“The program worked really well for me and enabled me to upskill and pursue a career,” she said, noting she will undertake her first rotation in the emergency department at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Wonthaggi Hospital will welcome a second intake in April, with a further nine graduate registered nurses and four graduate enrolled nurses. This will make for a total of 25 graduates for 2026.
Bayside Health Regional Care Group CEO Louise Sparkes said investing in early career nurses was essential to the long-term sustainability of rural health services.
“By offering ongoing employment, we are making it clear that our graduates are valued, supported and essential for the long term,” she said.
“Our communities benefit from continuity of care and a stable, growing workforce.”