Progression pathway creates launching pad for novice nurses

28 Sep 2022

St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals CEO Paul Dyer said after realising there were a number of novice nurses looking for roles at our hospital but they did not have the relevant postgraduate hospital experience, we decided to develop a structure that would provide them with the relevant skills.

“Known as Progression Pathway, it is proving to be highly effective and has led to a number of novice nurses recently being offered permanent roles at our hospital,” Paul said.

“With a worldwide shortage of nurses, this is just one of the initiatives we have developed to support our workforce.”

Launched in early 2020, the initiative has enabled 20 nurses to gain experience in the Emergency Department (known as the GROW program) as well as 25 nurses in general wards. 

Recently three novice nurses – Nyasha, Cassiopeia and Dorothy – have completed the Progression Pathway and been given permanent roles at the hospital.

As well as gaining ward experience, clinical educators and senior nurses provide support and guidance to the novice nurses.

Nyasha said as a new graduate straight from university, the Progression Pathway helped provide me with support and experience and made me feel far more confident.

Dorothy said as a brand new nurse I was very relieved to be offered to undertake Progression Pathway and gain experience on various wards, providing me with invaluable clinical knowledge and skills to begin my nursing career.