Thousands of new graduate nurses and midwives started work at about 130 public hospitals and health services last week (beginning 8 February).
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said that of the more than 2,500 graduates, over a quarter would work in rural and regional hospitals across the State.
“These enthusiastic nursing and midwifery graduates join NSW Health at an historic moment, in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic,” Mr Hazzard said.
“They will have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in in our extraordinary healthcare system as it continues to battle against the threat of COVID-19,” he said.
Mr Hazzard said more than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently worked in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011.
Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at NSW Health, Jacqui Cross welcomed and thanked the new graduates.
“As you embark on this wonderfully rewarding career, remember what you do as nurses and midwives is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities,” Ms Cross said.
“Your commitment and compassion combined with clinical skills make a huge difference and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW,” she said.
