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Nursing graduates celebrate

Sophia ConstantineNorth West Telegraph
North West Regional TAFE Diploma of Nursing graduates mark an important milestone at The Esplanade Hotel.
Camera IconNorth West Regional TAFE Diploma of Nursing graduates mark an important milestone at The Esplanade Hotel. Credit: Picture: Leonie Trubshoe

Local nursing students are ready to enter a new era in their careers after completing their Diploma of Nursing at North West Regional TAFE.

The success of the cohort was acknowledged at a presentation night at The Esplanade Hotel on September 9.

The 22 graduates, aged between 22 and 56, represented a cross-section of the Pilbara, including Port Hedland, Karratha and Newman.

The ceremony also highlighted the academic achievement of two of the graduates who took home major awards.

Ashleigh Lions received the community engagement award for her high level of commitment to her studies and Gina Whitby won the clinical excellence award for her can-do attitude. The diploma allows graduates to gain direct entry into the Bachelor of Nursing, no matter the mode of study they have chosen.

Acting Pilbara regional nurse and midwifery director Donna Hindmarsh said the nurses displayed some important attributes, including the ability to work with culturally diverse clients.

“Being a nurse includes an understanding of the contemporary health environment, the healthcare system, research and the legal and ethical parameters to nursing practice, as well as clinical skills in a wide range of areas,” she said.

Pilbara director of training services Jan Edwards said the diploma was only the start of their career and was not an end to their professional learning.

“These young women have entered into a very important profession and achieved a qualification that is accepted in all States and Territories of Australia,” she said.

Ms Edwards said a good nurse possessed solid communication skills, interpersonal and emotional stability, intelligence, empathy, compassion, flexibility, attention to detail and sound problem-solving skills.

Several graduates have been successful in gaining employment in the highly competitive Graduate EN Programs on offer through WA Health.

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