Monash Health welcomed 549 new medical, nursing, midwifery and mental health nursing graduates in January and February, as they embark on a 12-month graduate program to commence their careers.
All graduates will rotate through a variety of areas, gaining supported experience and learning vital on-the-job skills.
Over the coming days, we will introduce you to a variety of medical, nursing and midwifery graduates to learn about their journey, experiences and impressions of Monash Health so far.
Today, we put the spotlight on two nursing graduates, who will rotate through two areas, consolidating clinical skills required to complete each rotation.
Alexandra Berry – nursing graduate
Before completing her nursing degree with Australian Catholic University Alexandra studied dietetics, but wanted the opportunity to really build relationships with patients.
Pictured: Alexandra Berry, Nursing Graduate
Building meaningful relationships with patients is what “really drew me to the vocation of nursing,” she says.
Alexandra’s first job as a receptionist at Cabrini gave her exposure to palliative care which also strengthened her desire for a career in nursing.
Initially interested in intensive care and theatre, it was a previous three-week placement at Monash Children’s Hospital that resulted in Alexandra switching her focus to paediatrics.
Alexandra is excited to spend her first six months with the Monash Children’s Paediatric and Neonatal Graduate Program, an area she feels is “so well respected”.
Patrick Javier – nursing graduate
Patrick studied a Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University and commenced his graduate year at Dandenong Emergency Department, which has proven to be a “fun, but also intense first month.”
Pictured: Patrick Javier, Nursing Graduate
Patrick is really happy to be in Dandenong ED on his first rotation and so far it has been a “really good experience.”
The level of support has really stood out to Patrick, not just from supervisors, but also from his graduate cohort. Following a suggestion from last year’s graduate nurses, this year’s graduate group has established an online group chat. The group chat provides a space for support and encouragement to help with all first-year uncertainties.
“We can assist each other through work-related and social aspects” of the job.
Patrick enjoyed his experience in theatre as an undergraduate nurse. While he is hoping for a theatre rotation, he is also very open to many different areas of nursing on offer at Monash Health.
We wish all our commencing graduates the best for their year ahead. Watch this space for more introductions to our 2022 graduate cohort.
Approved by Dr Anand Ponniraivan and Katrina Nankervis