Six new graduate Registered Midwives and 18 permanent Registered Nurses arrived in Dubbo on Monday to take part in the 2017 Transition to Practice Program. 

The nurses and midwives arrived from all over the state and the local area, and will work in a variety of Health Services and Multipurpose Services across the District.

Among the graduates was local woman, Kathryn March, who said she was eager to embark on the first step in her career.

“I’m hoping to build confidence in being an awesome midwife to help women in the Dubbo community have babies,” she said.

“It’s the first step toward the rest of my life as a midwife.” 

The Transition to Professional Practice Program is designed to provide ongoing education and support, and facilitates professional practice behaviors for new nurses and midwives.

The aim is to help build their skills and confidence to support the transition from being a student to an advanced beginner nurse.

Western NSW Local Health District’s Manager of Nursing & Midwifery Transition and Workforce, Jacqui Blackshaw, said the program offers support and opportunities for learning for new graduate nurses and midwives.

“As a Local Health District, we commit a significant amount of time and effort to support and educate our newly registered nurses and midwives,” she said.

“This program really helps them consolidate the nursing skills and knowledge they’ve learnt at university and helps them become confident nurses.

“The program also helps new graduate nurses and midwifes develop clinical competence to deliver the best nursing care to our communities.” 

She said supporting and retaining these nurses has significant benefits to both the local facilities and community.

“We want to provide a positive and quality experience so the nurses and midwives are encouraged to continue working with us beyond their transition year,” Ms Blackshaw said.