North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) is thrilled to announce the arrival of 24 new nursing graduates to its team this month. 

North West HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said it was encouraging to see a significant number of graduates choosing to embark on their careers in regional locations.

“We warmly welcome these new graduate nurses and midwives to the North West, where they will soon be on the frontline, making a substantial impact in our facilities,” Mr Birgan said. 

"These nurses will have the opportunity to learn and grow on the job, applying the skills they've acquired during their university education to positively influence the lives of patients in some of our most remote areas," he stated. 

Mr Birgan said there were some exciting opportunities for nurse graduates this year with positions being offered on Mornington Island and in Camooweal. 

"We are especially pleased to offer positions on Mornington Island, further demonstrating our commitment to serving diverse communities,” he said. 

The new nurses will be deployed across various departments within the health service, including remote locations, special care nurseries and cancer care units. Additionally, midwives will play a crucial role in both the core and maternity group practice services. 

This month Camooweal will also welcome a second rotation graduate, underscoring North West HHS's dedication to providing comprehensive learning and development opportunities. 

Local nursing graduate Stephanie Downes said she was excited to begin her career in her home town. 

"I've lived in Mount Isa for 20 years and I decided to pursue my degree here after studying with James Cook University,” Ms Downes said. 

“I'm really passionate about making sure that people out here get the same level of healthcare that you can expect anywhere in Australia.” 

Ms Downes said she would encourage nurse graduates to immerse themselves in the experience of rural living and employment. 

“Mount Isa is what you make it, and you’ve got to get in and get involved and make friends and make the experience special for you.”