ACT Health attracts a record number of graduate nurses

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, today announced that ACT Health had received a record 272 applications for the 2010 ACT Health Graduate Nurse Program intake – a 60 per cent increase on the number of applications received for 2009.  

“Applications were received from every State and Territory in Australia, which is a fantastic indication of the esteem in which our Graduate Nurse Program is held,” Ms Gallagher said.
 
“The program’s reputation, graduate support and opportunities for diverse clinical placements across the organisation attracted a large number of applicants, with many graduates seeking to work at a large hospital for the challenging clinical experiences on offer.

“A number of graduates have elected to undertake their placement in a speciality stream, opting for areas such as the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit, the Peri Operative (Theatre) Program or the Mental Health stream.

“I’m pleased to be able to report that ACT residents represented 31 per cent of the total applications received, which is great for our student nurse population.
 
“This record level of interest is a tremendous boost for ACT Health and the Canberra community and really paints a bright picture for the future of public health delivery in the Territory,” Ms Gallagher said.

The Minister said offers of employment had now been sent to the applicants and final numbers would be confirmed in January for the February 2010 intake.

ACT Health’s Graduate Nurse Program is a 12 month structured course designed to provide clinical support and guidance during the transition from student to Registered Nurse.  

Graduates rotate through three clinical rotations, which enable professional development opportunities in a wide variety of clinical areas.

4 January 2010