Have you ever wondered what it’s like to start out your nursing career at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH)?
Dan and Sammy joined the RCH in 2023 as Graduate Nurses through the RCH’s Graduate Nurse Program. They sat down with us to provide insight into their first year as graduate nurses and why they chose to take part in the program.
Applications for the 2024 Graduate Nurse Program are now open. For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/42phoBF
Dan, Sammy, thanks for taking the time. Could you tell us about you and your role at RCH?
Dan: I began my nursing journey back in 2021 when I started a Master of Nursing Science degree at Melbourne University after I left my previous career in marketing and public relations. Fast forward a few years later, I’ve landed my dream job here at RCH. I am a Graduate Registered Nurse on Koala ward, where we care for acutely unwell children with complex cardiac and renal conditions. I am absolutely loving it so far; no two days are the same.
Sammy: I am a graduate nurse on the Cockatoo ward which is a neurosurgical/neurological and medical ward. I have had the honour of caring for patients with all types of conditions. As a graduate nurse, I am just as much of a registered nurse as any other nurse. Of course, we have lots of support and assistance where need be.
Why did you choose to apply to the RCH?
Sammy: I chose the RCH because I wanted to do something different. I had not worked in paediatrics before, nor had I done a placement in a paediatric ward. I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to try the paediatric specialty. The RCH has state of the art research facilities and ample opportunities for growth and education. This is something that I truly value when looking for a workplace.
Dan: There is something special about walking into RCH for the first time. I was lucky enough to have my final nursing placement on the Sugar Glider ward in 2022. After my first day I knew that I had to come back for my grad year. I found it inspiring watching and learning from my preceptors and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional family-centred care. I wanted to be a part of a community that provides care to children and families in need. Additionally, RCH offers many learning opportunities and courses you can complete after your grad year. Also – who doesn’t love a cheeky Macca’s run on your break?
What do you love most about the program?
Dan: The program is built to support you. From the beginning, you have a week of study days to welcome you to the RCH and paediatric nursing. This is followed by 12 weeks of supernumerary time on the wards, numerous study days and regular debriefs throughout the year. I love that if I am ever unsure about something, having a bad day or just not feeling myself, I can reach out to Claudia or Meagan from the Nursing Education team, or any of the nurses on the ward including the NUM, AUMs and educators. The team on Koala is truly committed to our growth and learning, there is support everywhere you turn.
Sammy: The thing I love the most about the program is the support and the team. The ward staff and educators are extremely encouraging. The graduate educators that oversee the graduates are all compassionate about their role. The education team run excellent debrief sessions, which allow us to reflect and talk about our graduate year very frequently. These debrief sessions also allow us to connect and come together as nurses to ensure we are not going through it alone.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about applying for the program?
Sammy: Apply for the program even if you are unsure about paediatrics. The hospital has lots of room for growth and change where you will be heavily supported. Do a little bit of research on what the hospital goals are. This way, when you do your application, you can hopefully answer your questions with similar morale and drive. Most importantly have fun and be yourself!
Dan: Absolutely go for it, it will be the best decision you make! My advice would be to get started with your application early so that you have more time to think and respond to the questions in the application. This includes reaching out to your referees early to give them the heads-up. Make sure that you triple-check your application, ensure you have uploaded all relevant documents to the RCH portal before you submit. You can save your application progress along the way before submitting it.
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If you’re ready, we’re ready for you. Applications for the RCH 2024 Graduate Nursing Program are open until Friday 7 July. For more information and to apply, visit https://bit.ly/42phoBF