Bayside Health Service has officially celebrated the graduation of its 2024 nursing cohort.
The class of 2024 completed their university studies in 2023 and undertook their graduate year across multiple wards and specialties at Bayside Health Service.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Amanda Garner said the event was a great chance to reflect on, and recognise, the growth of the graduate nurses.
“Our graduates bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and resilience,” she said.
“This celebration is about recognising their development and thanking them for being part of the Bayside team.”
Nurse Educator Marnie Griffiths said the cohort had grown in confidence and capability during their first year.
“It is exciting to see how these graduates have found their feet and flourished in their roles,” she said.
Graduate Nurse Samantha said working close to home gave her a strong work-life balance and a sense of belonging.
“I valued the strong sense of community and appreciated the friendly and supportive environment that Bayside Health Service offers,” she said.
She said she is excited to be joining the new Intensive Care Unit team after spending time on secondment at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
“I’m eager to be part of a new supportive and positive team,” she said.
Thanks go to the educators, clinical facilitators and staff who supported the graduates throughout their year—and to the team who brought the graduation together.
Sam said she still remembers her Mum’s first day as a Graduate Midwife.
“I looked at her in uniform and knew I wanted to be just like her one day,” she said.
“Many years later I applied for my Bachelor of Nursing in hopes of finding a career that allowed me to help others just like she did, and the rest is history.”
Sam’s mum Rachel said she was thrilled when Samantha decided to pursue a career in nursing.
" I knew that nursing would give her endless opportunities for growth and development in her work, and that she would love making a difference to the community,” she said.