There are many reasons and motivations for becoming a nurse. At The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) we’re proud to provide dedicated pathways for newly graduated Registered Nurses to become competent and confident professionals. The programs develop the specific knowledge and skills required to work in a tertiary paediatric hospital through a model of continuous learning and development, in a safe and supportive environment. The RCH Graduate Nurse Program offers three streams, including the newly introduced Foundations of Paediatric Practice program. It encompasses a 12-month program for graduate nurses with an additional 12-months to consolidate foundational paediatric knowledge and skills.
Meet Vanrika, Josh and Mena, who have all completed the Graduate Nurse Program at the hospital.
Vanrika’s motivation to enter nursing was her Grandma. “She struggled with major depression for the majority of her life, which was never acknowledged, due to the health inequality and injustice of living in a country like India,” Vanrika explains. “I’m passionate about being a voice for change, and I have always known I wanted to be part of the solution, caring for, advocating for, and standing beside patients and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments.”
Vanrika started at the RCH in 2023 as a critical care RUSON or Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing and is now part of the Graduate Nurse program, working in Kookaburra, the RCH’s Oncology ward. “My role goes beyond providing clinical care for my young patients; it’s about being there for their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.” says Vanrika. “It’s a space where compassion, skill, and empathy intertwine. Every shift, I have the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team, ensuring that every step of the journey is filled with as much comfort, trust, and dignity as possible.”
The program has provided opportunities to learn and grow while working. “There are never two shifts that are the same; each has its own challenges, but they are balanced by moments of growth, supported by incredible mentors and colleagues,” says Vanrika. “I also love that I get to start my career in such a meaningful area; Kookaburra has deepened my understanding of resilience, hope, and the power of compassionate care.”
Josh comes from a family of nurses, however his journey into nursing wasn’t straightforward. It was during the pandemic, he found the desire to step in. “Seeing how many people were suffering, I wanted to be on the frontline,” Josh says.
He started as a Nurse Assistant and is now in his second year of the Foundation of Paediatric Practice program. “I’m still learning, I don’t think you can ever stop learning in this profession,” Josh explains. “From extensive study days, supportive resources, mentors, extensive supernumerary and preceptorship shifts, the RCH succeeds in all aspects of what it means to be part of a Graduate Program.”
Despite the benefits of the program, for Josh the real highlight is clear. “Working with children as part of your job is the best thing.”
Mena worked as a music teacher for close to three decades before heading back to the books to study nursing. That drive came from her own personal experience with her kids. “Both my children spent time in the special care nursery as neonates,” she explains. “My daughter is now 22 and my son is 19, so it was quite some time ago!” That time in hospital had a lasting impact. “The kindness, empathy and genuine care that we were given in that nursery made me realise, I too wanted to become a nurse.”
Mena began her graduate year in 2024, as part of the first intake of the new two-year program. “I have been blessed to work with the most incredible nurses who are always happy to educate, whether they are in an official educator role or not,” Mena says. “I have the highest regard and respect for all the nurses I have worked with and am in awe of how supportive they are, not only to me as a graduate nurse but to each other.” The program also provides professional development days and study days to provide graduates with time to further solidify their learning. “Between a tear and a laugh, we knew we could share our feelings and know that we were always supported. I have found the RCH graduate program invests in its grad nurses to ensure that they are not only well-educated and informed, but are continually supported and cared for.”
She’s currently working on the Platypus ward, providing care and support for young patients and their families every day. “To be a paediatric nurse you must remember that you are not only nursing the child, but nursing the whole family, and as grads we were well-equipped and supported to do this.”
Find out more about the opportunities for Graduate Nurses at the RCH.