From camo to care for nursing graduate James

A total of 144 nurses and midwives will kick off their clinical careers with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service over the next two weeks with graduates working across Townsville University Hospital, community health and rural sites over the next 12 months, putting years of study into practice.

James Cook University graduate and former defence force member James Moran said he always knew he would end up in nursing, even though he started studying as a mature-aged student.

“When I was in high school I did work experience in a hospital where I shadowed nurses and for me that was it, I knew what I wanted to do with my life; prior to that I had always wanted to be a pilot,” he said.

“I started studying nursing when I first left school but just wasn’t ready at that stage.

“I’ve never not had a thought that I wouldn’t one day be a nurse so nearly 10 years later I found myself back studying and finally finished my degree.”

James will be completing his graduate year in Townsville University Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), one of only six students who were selected for the 12-month specialised graduate program.

“I have a military background so I have experience with combat-related trauma so when I had my last clinical placement in ICU I found it really fascinating,” he said.

“I really enjoyed being able to get to know the individual patient and it gave me an appreciation of other aspects of nursing; things as simple as oral care and cleaning someone’s teeth make such a huge impact on a patient’s health.”

James said his message to anyone thinking of studying was that it’s never too late.

“I know within myself that if I had have finished my degree the first time around I wouldn’t have been ready; the person that I am today compared to 10 years ago is completely different and even though I deviated from nursing for a while I’m actually really glad I did,” he said.

“I have a whole wealth of other experience and confidence in myself that I can now bring to my future career.”

Executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton said the newest cohort of nurses and midwives would be well supported during their graduate year.

“Our graduate nursing program aims to transition new graduates into their roles by giving them hands on, practical experience with a one-to-one peer support program where an experienced nurse or midwife takes on a mentorship role,” she said.

“Graduates complete a 12-month supported program in specific clinical areas throughout Townsville University Hospital as well as our community and rural sites.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said he was delighted to welcome the next generation of nurses and midwives to the health service.

“There’s no denying how important nurses are in our community and to our health service,” Mr Mooney said.

“Nurses make up almost 50 per cent of our HHS workforce; they provide care at almost every stage of our lives across our GP clinics, our hospitals and in the community.

“I wish each and every one of the nurses starting over the next few weeks the best of luck as they embark on this next stage of their careers.”