Alexandra District Health (ADH) was excited to welcome Graduate Nurses, Lynden Caldwell and Jesse Plunkett, who recently commenced their 6 month rotation.

The Collaborative Graduate Nurse Program, in partnership with Eastern Health, is now in its third year. This highly sought after, 12 month program is for newly qualified Registered Nurses following successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing degree and a competitive interview and selection process. The program provides the nurses with a structured, supportive program during the first year of their registration as a Registered Nurse.  The Nurses spend 6 months working at ADH on the acute ward and in Urgent Care, and 6 months at an Eastern Health site.  Hailey Li and Samara Kerr completed their 6 month rotation at ADH at the end of January and have now gone on to Box Hill Hospital for the remaining 6 months of their program. 

ADH welcome interest in our Graduate Nurse Programs from members of our local community as the program provides excellent opportunities for them to explore both a rural and metropolitan experience in their Graduate year. Local resident, Kelly Wilkinson, successfully applied for and gained a place in the program.  Kelly will be starting her Graduate Nurse Program at Eastern Health before coming to ADH in August this year.  Kelly is keen to pursue a future career pathway at ADH.   

Feedback from past graduates include “I felt very lucky to commence my graduate year at this beautiful hospital and further, to be able to learn from such supportive, knowledgeable staff.  My ADH rotation was my most valuable learning experience throughout this year”.

Additionally, ADH has also launched our ‘Transition to Practice’ program for Enrolled Nurses in November 2020, welcoming Sophie Penney as the first participant in the program. Sharna Cummins Hamilton was also successful in her application to join the program and will commence in May.  This is a fantastic opportunity for Enrolled Nurses to participate in a similar program that was not previously offered to graduates of the Diploma of Nursing.

For more information about our Graduate Nurse Programs please contact Natasha Bowater, Manager Training and Development on 5772 0888 or email Natasha.Bowater@adh.org.au

Pictured left to right: Lynden, Jesse and Sophie