Twins tackle nursing careers

One-hundred-and-forty-seven nurses and seventeen midwives have kicked off their clinical careers with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service this month with graduates working across Townsville University Hospital, community health and rural sites, putting years of study into practice.

Twins and James Cook University Cairns graduates Orla and Finnian Weaver are two of the nurse graduates bringing their new skills to the health service.

Ms Weaver said she’d always liked the idea of a career in healthcare and would complete her first rotation in the hospital’s planned procedure unit.

“Nursing is where I landed and I enjoy being able to help people and nursing is a career with so many opportunities,” she said.

“I was surprised when I found out that Finn would also be pursuing a career in nursing, but it is special to be doing this together.

“It will be fun to work alongside him and have his support to debrief.

“From an education point of view Townsville is a great hospital with great facilities and I know doing my grad year here will give me a good head start in terms of confidence and skills.”

Mr Weaver said he was excited to be entering this new chapter with his twin sister.

“Having Orla has been really good in terms of a good support network and having someone to talk to if you’re not feeling good about something,” he said.

“Some people do see it as a bit of a competition because we are twins, but I just like doing what I do as a nurse.

“I’ve always been passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, so nursing was an obvious gateway to doing that.

“My first rotation is in the emergency department and I enjoy that fast-paced environment and impacting patient care.

Executive director nursing and midwifery Judy Morton said the newest cohort of nurses and midwives would start their careers at a time like no other in healthcare. 

“With the Queensland borders well and truly opened and cases of COVID-19 circulating in our community it has changed the face of healthcare,” Ms Morton said.

“This cohort of nurses and midwives will be in for a challenging start to their careers, but the graduate nursing program aims to transition new graduates into their roles by giving them hands on, practical experience with a peer support program where an experienced nurses or midwives 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.

Ms Morton wished the graduates the best of luck.

“Nurses and midwives make up almost 50 per cent of the HHS workforce and provide care at almost every stage of a person’s life which is truly special,” she said.

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