Hospital Welcomes New Graduates

Nine nursing graduates have embarked on their new careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) as the hospital welcomed their fourth intake, taking the total for 2023 to 84.

The graduates completed a week of training this week before they join their specific departments where they will complete 12 months of hands-on learning.

Registered Midwife Ally Bennett completed her Bachelor of Midwifery in December following a career change, recently relocating from Brisbane.

“The hospital facilities are fantastic, really modern,” Ms Bennett said.

“There’s also a dedicated education and research centre so I think that makes a real difference to how you come in as a graduate.”

Ms Bennett previously worked in human resources, making the decision to become a midwife amidst a global pandemic.

“I really think that women and children are a foundation in our community,” she said.

“In my previous roles I worked in male dominated organisations so I worked to attract and retain women.

“If we can give good antenatal care and give women good experiences when they first start their families, that can be life changing.”

Having completed her study, Ms Bennett looks forward to consolidating her skills, particularly in a clinical setting.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the local population as well,” she said.

“From what I hear, it’s really mixed and diverse and that’s what I really enjoy about midwifery.”

Fellow graduate Latisha Chong started as a Registered Nurse last week, completing her study at the James Cook University Mater Clinical Training Centre in Mackay.

“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.

“Three years of full-time study, having a baby in between, it has felt like a lifetime but definitely excited to be finished and ready to start my new career in healthcare.”

Being a smaller university, Ms Chong said the cohort was smaller than those in bigger cities but tight knit.

“I was able to find a really great support network within my cohort at university,” she said.

“We were able to bounce off each other with ideas and, most importantly, emotional support.”

Ms Chong started her nursing career in the medical ward where she will use and learn a diverse range of skills.

“I really love the complexity of nursing,” she said.

“I love being knowledgeable about the human body and how to treat and manage diseases.

“I really love patient care and working really closely with my patients.”

Mackay HHS Acting Assistant Director of Nursing, Education and Training Paul McAlister said this week’s training was theory-based in a simulated environment, preparing for their year ahead in the workplace.

“When they do go to their workplace, they’re well supported in their early days,” he said.

“They’re responsible and accountable but they’re well supported by the workplace.”

Mr McAlister said the hospital is still working through recruitment challenges.

“It’s a constant challenge and an ongoing process, so certainly at this time of year, we welcome our new graduates and it’s a great opportunity for them to join us,” he said.

“We’re thankful for the cohorts that we’ve been able to achieve and hopefully we can encourage some more recruitment throughout the year.

“It’s a rewarding career.

“It’s a caring vocation and we really instill that in our programs.”

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Nine nursing graduates joined Mackay HHS this week

Mackay HHS Acting Assistant Director of Nursing, Education and Training. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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