Trusted. Skilled. Compassionate. 

These are the characteristics typical of nurses and midwives that 50 new graduates aspire to match after securing their spot at West Moreton Health.

The midwifery and nursing graduates will begin their first rotations at sites across West Moreton Health this week, including at rural hospitals and within the divisions of medicine, surgery, mental health, prison health, women’s and children’s, and emergency departments.

Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Karyn Ehren welcomed the graduates.

“We have a proud history of nursing excellence at West Moreton Health and that starts with strong learning and professional development opportunities for our newest recruits,’’ Ms Ehren said.

“West Moreton Health offers nurses and midwives the chance to be part of the community we care for and we are delighted to see more than 95 per cent of the 2020 graduates continue their health care journey with us this year.”

The new 2021 cohort includes midwife Sophie Houghton and nurse Marie Lenton, who are already familiar with the wards and corridors of Ipswich Hospital.

The pair were both Undergraduate Students in Nursing (USIN) at West Moreton Health.

Ms Houghton has worked in the 4F Surgical Ward since late 2018. Ms Lenton has worked in wards across Ipswich Hospital, first as an Assistant in Nursing and then a USIN in the casual nursing pool since 2017.

Ms Houghton said time spent in hospital as a child inspired a career in healthcare.

“The nurses who cared for me were so lovely, they made time for me and made me feel well cared for and I wanted to do the same thing for others,” she said.

Ms Houghton said working at Ipswich Hospital during her midwifery studies helped boost her skills and experience, as well as her confidence.

The opportunity to gain experience in the birthing suite, maternity ward, antenatal and the Special Care Nursery was a major drawcard for graduates to Ipswich Hospital, Ms Houghton said.

“The woman-centred care model emphasises our role to provide the right education to empower women to make the right decision for them and their baby,” she said. “I am really excited to care for women at such a significant time in their lives.”

Meanwhile Ms Lenton will begin her graduate program in the Ipswich Hospital Emergency Department after making a career change from the hospitality industry.

Ms Lenton has followed the career path of choice for many in her family within Australia and overseas, including her grandmother, who practiced as a home midwife for women in the Philippines.

She said her first job as an Assistant in Nursing at a residential aged care facility helped her realise the significance of the role played by healthcare workers.

“My first day was eye-opening, and I really had to think if it was the right career for me,” Ms Lenton said. “I went back on the second day, and I ended up loving it. Seeing my patients each day made me appreciate the difference I could make.

“It is an honour to be in this career.’’