Record nurse recruitment for Tamworth Hospital

2 February 2009

Laura Spence knows there’s no job like nursing.

She’s one of a record 21 new nurse graduates keen to begin their careers at Tamworth Hospital today.

Originally from Tamworth, Laura is looking forward to spending time in the hospital’s operating theatres, ICU and surgical wards.

“Mum’s a nurse and we talk about nursing all the time - her love of the job has definitely rubbed off on me,” Laura said.

“I had a bit of an insight into the job and once I started studying I realised that the feeling you get from nursing you can’t get from any other job.”

Sam Cook, originally from Caniaba near Lismore, is looking forward to his first year at Tamworth Hospital. He spent a total of 16 weeks at the hospital as a practical component of his nursing degree.

“It was easy to decide to come to Tamworth in my post graduate year,” Sam said.

“All the time I’ve spent here the Nursing Unit Managers have been great, and Tamworth Hospital is big enough that I’ll be able to work in a few different units and wards which will help me decide where I want to specialise later.”

The graduates will work on a 12-month rotating roster through the hospital, allowing them to experience a wide variety of nursing practice, including time in the emergency department, mental health, intensive care and children’s ward.

Tamworth Hospital Director of Nursing Chris Coombs said the attraction of so many new nurses is a great achievement, and is wonderful news after all 18 of the 2008 intake of nurses told us they would be continuing their employment with the hospital this year.

“All 18 of last year’s new grads have taken permanent positions with us this year, which is an excellent bit of news for us,” Mrs Coombs said.

“We try to be as accommodating and as possible to make the nurses’ first year in the job as enjoyable, and the fact we have a record 21 nurses starting here today is proof we’re doing something right.”

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767