Tweed Hospital received a major boost this week with 24 new nurses starting work including one local who seemed destined to work there.
“I was born here and so was my son,” the 30 year old Griffith University graduate Casey Henzell said as she stood among the group of new nurses being welcomed to the hospital by State member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health Melinda Pavey MLC and hospital and health officials .
“I cried in my interview. I didn’t apply for anywhere else, I didn’t apply for Gold Coast. I did a few pracs up there and it didn’t have the same feeling. ”
She said she didn’t mind where she worked in the hospital and was just looking forward to starting.
“I love emergency and palliative – my mum works here as an oncology nurse.”
The single mum, who had originally left school at 15, studied full-time at Griffith Uni while her son was at school and was thankful for the support of friends and family.
She said her mother was initially concerned about her plans to become a nurse, understanding “just what I was in for”. However she said she was now “really really proud”.
Mr Provest said Casey’s jobs at the local hospitals are part of the O’Farrell Government’s statewide allocation of 2,163 new graduate nurse positions – 500 more than last year.
“With 24 new positions, the Tweed Hospital has obviously fared exceptionally well.
“The Tweed Hospital is one of the busiest on the North Coast and this boost is great news for patients and the existing hard-working medical staff.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health Melinda Pavey said the 24 new nurses would work in the clinical areas of Medical, Surgical, Operating Theatres and Intensive Care.
“This is the first week for the Registered Nurses when they will receive orientation involving specific corporate and clinical information required to support their new employment.” Ms Pavey said.
“These Registered Nurses will be supported during their employment by Clinical Nurse Educators at each site.”
