The February intake of graduate nurses and midwives at Bass Coast Health includes, from left, Jo Johnston, Jessica Kaldvee, Kylie Walker, Will Brusamarello, Melissa Glasgow, Rachel Bott, Cathy Shea, Krista Campbell, Zoe Atkins, Tess Harland, Hayley Furmage and Orla Cummins.
Bass Coast Health (BCH) is excited to welcome the first of two intakes of Graduate Nurses and Midwives for 2025.
A total of 20 Registered Nursing graduates, two Midwifery graduates and two Enrolled Nursing graduates will join BCH over two intakes, with the second intake to start in April.
The first intake of 12 nurses includes seven current staff members who have continued their education to become a registered nurse. The other five graduates are new to BCH, with one relocating from Queensland.
The February intake of graduates have two six-month rotations through theatre, emergency department, district nursing, haemodialysis, acute and sub-acute, and a 12-month rotation in midwifery, as well as professional development days.
Kylie Walker has been with BCH since 2019, starting in administration and then medical records, before becoming a ward clerk while studying to become an enrolled nurse. She was also part of BCH's COVID Testing Team and gained experience testing in BCH's testing tents, during community outbreaks.
Since graduating, Kylie has been working on the Kodowlinun acute ward while studying to become a registered nurse.
"I enjoy supporting people when they can be at their most vulnerable, and I'm looking forward to my rotations in the emergency department and district nursing," she said.
Will Brusamarello returned to his hometown of Wonthaggi after studying a double degree in nursing and paramedicine at Australian Catholic University, Ballarat.
"It's nice to be able to come home and care for my community," he said, ahead of his rotations in the emergency department and Kodowlinun acute ward.
Zoe Atkins has returned to BCH after enjoying her placement in the L Rigby Cancer Centre last year, while studying at Federation University.
"I just like all the people and also the diversity of experiences that Bass Coast Health offers," she said.
Zoe will undertake placements in the sub-acute ward and emergency department.
"I love nursing because I love socialising, I love helping people and I love being on my feet," she said.
"I also love work that is fast-paced and hands-on."
