Hundreds of aspiring nurses and midwives packed Logan Hospital this week for the annual Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Open Day, with record attendance seeing attendees’ queue before the doors opened and every information stall buzzing with activity.
The event gave students the opportunity to connect with clinical teams, explore different practice areas and learn more about the support, education and development opportunities available throughout the graduate year.
For many, the conversations helped shape their future career pathways, while for others, they confirmed the speciality areas they were passionate about pursuing.
Nursing student Summer Frauenfelder said she was hoping to secure a graduate position in Logan Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) after recently starting her placement there.
"I started my placement in the ED yesterday and absolutely love the fast pace and the different ways I've had to apply my critical thinking skills," she said.
Summer also put her CPR skills to the test at the ED information stall, recording the highest score of the day at that point.
With graduate positions in the ED highly sought after, she joked the impressive result might help her stand out as an applicant.
Fellow nursing students Maddy Reed and Andy Christmas said they were also keen to begin their careers with Metro South Health, saying they were impressed by the opportunities and support available to graduates.
Having previously completed a placement in Logan Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Maddy said working in a high-acuity environment had confirmed where she hoped to build her career.
"I would love to develop my skills and confidence during my early career, with the goal of ending up in the ICU later down the track," she said.
A/Nurse Educator Graduate Portfolio Simone Vickery said it was a privilege to welcome the profession’s newest graduates and reconnect with some familiar faces at the event.
“Having met many of these talented individuals during their student placements, it is incredibly rewarding to now see them take the next step towards becoming confident and capable registered nurses and midwives,” she said. “The enthusiasm and excitement displayed by our graduates as they embark on their nursing and midwifery careers is truly inspiring.”
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and deliver this year’s event and support the next generation of healthcare professionals as they begin their careers.