Twenty-four new nurses have joined the ranks of the WA Country Health Service to complete their graduate program in the Great Southern.

The new recruits will bolster the region’s medical workforce as COVID-19 community transmission mounts and healthcare services brace for unprecedented pressure.

Thirteen graduate nurses will be based at Albany Health Campus while the remaining 11 complete their first rotations at WACHS’ multipurpose sites across the Great Southern.

The graduates will work across a variety of placements including surgical, rehabilitation, aged care and for the first time, chemotherapy and palliative care.

Albany-raised nurse Zara Porter said it was important to deliver care in her hometown where her passion for nursing started.

“It was one of my favourite science teachers who suggested to me that nursing could be a great career for me,” she said.

“My passion for nursing really grew while I was on practical placement at uni, where I saw firsthand how we can improve someone’s quality of life.”

WACHS Great Southern regional director Geraldine Ennis said it was sometimes difficult to attract staff to regional WA, but there were unique opportunities in country medicine.

“Our grads work across hospital and aged care settings with excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development and a chance to hone their skills under the watchful eye of some of the region’s best educators and specialists,” she said.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’re busier than ever before and these new graduates will play a fundamental role in supporting our existing staff while also providing exceptional care to our community.

“There are tough times ahead for the entire health system and the support of graduate nurses like this cohort will be invaluable.”