Many people become good friends at work, but few friends are as good as Kimberley Anderson who has twice helped a work buddy give birth.

Kimberley met Teegen Westmarsh seven years ago when they both worked in the dispatch room at the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

“We were work friends then, but not particularly close,” Kimberley remembers.

Fast forward to today and the two friends have joined an intake of 60 other registered nurses and midwives in West Moreton Health’s 12-month graduate program.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles welcomed the graduates to the Queensland Health family.

“Joining the Queensland Health team is such a great chance for aspiring nurses to go straight from finishing their degrees to kick-starting their careers,” Mr Miles said.

Even before their career boost, Kimberley and Teegen had shared the sort of experiences that bond people for life.

While still a midwifery student, Kimberley assisted in the births of two of Teegen’s babies.

“They were just the best experiences,” Kimberley said. “Helping someone give birth is … I don’t know … it feels like your heart expands.”

Kimberley is working as a graduate midwife at Ipswich Hospital while Teegen has started her clinical nursing placement at Esk Hospital.

 “I put all my eggs in one basket in applying to Ipswich Hospital,” Kimberley said. “I did all my university placements here and was very well supported.

“I also like the community-based maternity clinic programs West Moreton Health runs. For many women, it means they can go to a clinic close to home for their pregnancy care and only come to the hospital when they give birth.”

The Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Karyn Ehren, said the nurses and midwives had arrived at a very important time for the profession: The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

“This year marks 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, who was the founder of modern nursing,” Ms Ehren said.

“Nursing and Midwifery are extremely fulfilling careers and our new graduates will gain valuable experience at our hospitals throughout the West Moreton region.”

Minister Miles said the extra nurses would translate their university studies into better outcomes for patients in Ipswich.

“I’m really excited to welcome these passionate nurses to the Queensland Health team where I know they’ll get the best possible start in their nursing careers,” Mr Miles said.

Local state members – Jen Howard for the seat of Ipswich, Jim Madden for Ipswich West and Charis Mullen for Jordan – congratulated the nursing and midwifery graduates on their appointment.

“The nurses and midwives in the West Moreton Health region perform an amazing role 365 days of the year in caring for residents on the wards, in the birthing suites and out in the community,” Ms Howard said.

“There is much laughter and tears ahead of them and we wish them all the best in their careers.”