Monash Health recently welcomed 549 new medical, nursing, midwifery and mental health nursing graduates who have embarked on a 12-month graduate program to commence their careers.
We would like to introduce you to a variety of nursing and midwifery graduates to learn about their journey, experiences, and impressions of Monash Health so far as they work through rotations and develop their clinical skills.
Alexandra Berry – nursing graduate
Pictured: Alexandra Berry, Nursing Graduate
Before completing her nursing degree at Australian Catholic University, Alexandra studied dietetics but wanted the opportunity to really connect with patients.
Building meaningful relationships with patients is what “really drew me to the vocation of nursing,” she says.
Alexandra’s first job as a receptionist at Cabrini gave her exposure to palliative care which also strengthened her desire for a career in nursing.
Initially interested in intensive care and theatre, it was a previous three-week placement at Monash Children’s Hospital that resulted in Alexandra switching her focus to paediatrics.
Alexandra is excited to spend her first six months with the Monash Children’s Paediatric and Neonatal Graduate Program, an area she feels is “so well respected”.
Patrick Javier – nursing graduate
Patrick studied a Bachelor of Nursing at Monash University and commenced his graduate year at Dandenong Emergency Department, which has proven to be a “fun, but also intense first month.”
Pictured: Patrick Javier, Nursing Graduate
Patrick is really happy to be in Dandenong ED on his first rotation, describing it as a “really good experience.”
The level of support has really stood out to Patrick, not just from supervisors, but also from his graduate cohort. Following a suggestion from last year’s graduate nurses, this year’s graduate group has established an online group chat. The group chat provides a space for support and encouragement.
“We can assist each other through work-related and social aspects” of the job.
Patrick enjoyed his experience in theatre as an undergraduate nurse. While he is hoping for a theatre rotation, he is also very open to many different areas of nursing on offer at Monash Health.
Abbey Gardiner – midwifery graduate
Pictured: Abbey Gardiner, Midwife
Ever since her mother was pregnant with her baby brother, Abbey knew she wanted to be a midwife.
Abbey studied midwifery at Australian Catholic University, and in her final year she was placed with Monash Health at Dandenong and Clayton, where she “saw and learned a lot”.
Feeling nurtured and inspired through the placement process, it was a “no-brainer to put Monash Health as my first preference” for the graduate program.
Abbey is passionate about women-centred care and is driven to understand what they’re going through. She’s found experiencing each woman’s journey can be “so overwhelming, but a great learning experience”. Having only worked during the COVID pandemic, Abbey is thankful that women in labour have continued to have the benefit of a support person by their side.
Abbey will spend three months on the post-natal ward as primary carer for women and babies, where she has already benefitted from additional tasks such as taking bloods and giving medication.
We wish all our commencing graduates the best for their year ahead!
Nursing and midwifery careers at Monash Health
We’re recruiting nurses of all levels of experience and all specialties to provide care to one of the most diverse communities in Australia. With sites across south east Melbourne and flexible work arrangements, as a nurse at Monash Health, you can fit your career with your lifestyle.
We’re recruiting midwives to join Victoria’s largest maternity service with the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of modern healthcare in a supportive environment.