Redland Hospital nurse Lucas Bertolone says starting his career at Bayside Health Service had given him confidence and unexpected professional opportunities.
Lucas, who is taking part in the hospital’s 18-month graduate program said the support, clinical variety and strong community connection made Redland Hospital a great choice for nurses in their first year post-university.
“From the start, I felt supported and welcomed here,” he said. “Starting out as a graduate can be very scary, and the management and education teams here are fantastic.
“You might see a jarring presentation but everyone checks-in on each other and the team is happy, and they make your job fun.
“That sense of warmth and community I didn’t experience anywhere else, and I experienced it here in troves on my placement.
“I’ve had so many chances to ask questions, reflect and build my skills.”
Lucas rotated through several clinical areas during his graduate year and said the guidance of experienced staff helped shape his approach to care.
“I preferenced Bayside Health Service first because I did my placement here and was really taken aback on how much of a teaching hospital Redland it is,” he said. “There’s a real focus here on learning and being present.
“It's an 18-month graduate program so if you want to do a graduate certificate after your university degree, you have already completed half of it. “
This year, Lucas was named Metro South Health Graduate of the Year, an honour he says reflects the support of those around him.
“There are so many opportunities I would never have known about without the education team here and everyone is so happy and supportive,” he said. “I was completely shocked at first.
“I thought it was a scam message, we’re all warned not to open those “CONGRATULATIONS” emails!
“Awards like this and being recognised by the management and education teams and your peers in this way is the ultimate reassurance that you are on the right track.
“For people to recognise that you are good at your work and say publicly they enjoy working with you is amazing.”
Learn more about the Redland Hospital Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Program online now.