The Newcastle University graduates are now employed at Singleton Hospital as registered nurses, a workplace they chose to be a part of.

Already orientated with the staff at the hospital and feeling comfortable and supported, Miss McMahon said she was looking forward to putting her theory into practice.

Miss McMahon will spend the first three months in medical and will then move onto surgical. She believes a rural hospital will expose her to a wide range of nursing.

While both graduates know they still have lots of learning to do, their first year is about consolidating their study and clinic work together.

Mrs Rees is finishing what she started.

In 1987 she did her enrolled nursing and spent four years in the industry.

A number of other jobs and a family later and she decided to go back to nursing and return to her home town of Singleton to pursue that career.

“I am here to learn about everything and am pleased to not only be here at Singleton because it is my home, but because I know I will be able to experience so many different areas,” she explained.

With support from second-year staff, both new staff members feel very welcome in their roles.

They receive additional and ongoing education including 10 study days that enable them to meet with other first year graduates.

Singleton Hospital Nurse Educator Kim Glasshoff said Hunter New England Health offered new nurse graduates a very supportive program that equips transitional registered nurses with the skills they need to work with confidence.

“We are well nurtured here,” Mrs Rees said, supporting Mrs Glassoffs beliefs.

Mrs Glassoff added that there was a lot of on-the-job learning that the new nurses would also experience including communication and patient interaction.

This year 162 registered nurses have accepted jobs in hospitals and health services across the Hunter, New England and lower Mid-North Coast regions.