Canberra’s healthcare workforce has been boosted this month with more than 100 new graduate Registered and Enrolled nurses joining Canberra Health Services (CHS).
Welcoming the new public servants, Minister for Health, Rachel Stephen-Smith said the nurses were joined by 95 Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) who recently began their first year or intern year of supervised training.
“Around 130 Junior Medical Officers have also transferred from other hospitals and programs to the ACT to continue their training as residents or registrars,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“The new staff have commenced across all areas during their first rotation including operating theatres, acute wards, the emergency department, mental health, rehabilitation, and women, youth and children’s services,” she said.
“This month, we’ll see more than 300 healthcare workers join Canberra Health Services and I know our newest health professionals are passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment and care to our community.
“I welcome every new staff member and thank them for the contribution they will make in the years to come.”
Executive Director of Medical Services at CHS, Dr Grant Howard said it was exciting to see the JMOs in action during their first few weeks on the floor.
“These 95 JMOs were selected from over 200 applicants for the highly competitive internship program,” Dr Howard said.
“Congratulations on joining our team and we look forward to continuing to provide the exceptional medical training needed to kickstart your careers.”
Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Patient Support Services at CHS, Kellie Lang said the graduate nurses would be joining an experienced and hardworking team, who were looking forward to passing on their years of knowledge and expertise.
“For some nurses this is their first career, while others have chosen nursing as a career change later in life,” Ms Lang said.
“Either way, it is exciting seeing the next generation coming through and choosing a fulfilling career in nursing.”
