Record recruitment – 158 graduate nurses sign up

3 February 2009 

Hunter New England Health’s reputation for supporting and educating its nurses has attracted a record number of new graduates to the Area for 2009.

This month 158 nurses will begin fulfilling careers across the Hunter, New England and North West regions, boosting Hunter New England Health’s nursing capability.

Hunter New England Health’s Director of Nursing and Midwifery Chris Kewley said the record recruitment was achieved due to the health service’s ability to provide a good quality first year out of university.

“We go to a lot of effort to make sure their first year on the job is as enjoyable as possible, so it’s great to see our work is paying off,” Mr Kewley said.

“HNE Health has facilities in a wide range of settings – from our biggest hospital John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle to some of the most rural health services in NSW.

“Nurses can sign up with us knowing they have the opportunity to work in a broad range of clinical settings and communities.”

Mr Kewley said it was also excellent news18 new nurse graduates were pursuing mental health nursing as a speciality.

“HNE Health is currently recruiting nurses to work in two new mental health facilities at the Calvary Mater Newcastle and James Fletcher Hospital, so it’s good to see we have new graduate nurses interested in the unique field,” Mr Kewley said.

This year HNE Health has also accepted three graduate midwives to further boost midwife capability across the Area.

Hunter New England Health is welcoming new graduate nurses at:

• John Hunter Hospital   45
• Tamworth Hospital   21
• Manning Rural Referral Hospital  15
• Calvary Mater Newcastle   14
• Belmont Hospital   8
• Maitland Hospital    9
• John Hunter Children’s Hospital   8

New nurse graduates will also be working in Cessnock, Armidale, Gunnedah, Moree, Inverell, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767