With the nation’s nursing ranks under increasing pressure, Australia’s largest private hospitals operator has announced a new partnership aimed at bolstering New South Wales’ future workforce.
Ramsay Health Care has teamed up with TAFE NSW to support nursing students with guaranteed job placement and the chance to work while studying.
Students enrolled in the leading vocational education and training provider’s Diploma of Nursing course will also have a guaranteed interview for a position at their local Ramsay hospital after graduating.
The initiative is part of the recently-launched Ramsay Cadetship Program, a response to industry-wide workforce shortages - nursing numbers are down by about 8,000 according to the Australian Private Hospitals Association.
“The cadets will gain valuable experience and genuine insight into what it’s like working in the healthcare industry as a nurse,” said Ramsay Health Care’s Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director, Dr Bernadette Eather.
“They will get to partner with experienced Ramsay nurses who are committed to providing excellent healthcare for their patients,” she added.
“Best of all, they will become part of the Ramsay family and be surrounded by a team committed to helping them grow their skills and excel in their nursing careers.”
TAFE NSW Nursing Discipline Leader Zachary Byfield said the COVID-19 pandemic had reinforced the vital role nurses play in communities.
“TAFE NSW is committed to ensuring a steady pipeline of nursing graduates across the state,” Mr Byfield added.
“This partnership ensures TAFE NSW nursing students become part of the Ramsay workforce while still studying, and gives them a practical experience of their course material.”
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