This is the view of the registered nursing and midwifery graduates at Manning Hospital. Starting at the end of January the graduates have experienced the first month of increased responsibilities.  

To gain these positions was a huge achievement with thousands of applying for positions across NSW.

Holly Ballard of Tinonee had worked at Manning Hospital for six years as an enrolled nurse. She said studying and balancing family life to become qualified was “challenging” but “it’s worth it when you love your job”. 

“I was driven to get a position here, I didn’t want to get sent away from my community and the patients I’ve nursed for years,” Holly said. 

“It’s rewarding to see your patients get better, leave the hospital and re-enter the community.”

Holly’s career inspiration comes from her mother, Pauline Ballard, who has been a nurse for 49 years, with 20 at Manning Hospital.

Holly said to be a good nurse you must have empathy, patience and the ability to nurture and support people through what could be some of the most difficult times in their lives.

As the other graduates agree – the job comes with its rewards.

Midwifery graduate Leona Phillips said there is no better feeling than seeing a mother’s face when she sees her baby for the first time.

Leona said: “That’s the best of the best”.

Nursing graduate Tracey Lee of Tea Gardens added her greatest reward is knowing they can actively contribute to “sending a patient home better than they were before”.

Deputy director of nursing and midwifery, Helen Wilde, said the graduate registered nurses will have four, three-month rotations throughout the medical, surgical, palliative care and stroke units. 

“They will be supported to transition to practice by the nurse unit managers, clinical nurse educators and their nursing mentors on the wards,” Helen said.