Graduate Nurse Program 2003

Contact Details

Linda Branley Workforce Development Manager Eastern Wheatbelt Health Service PO Box 540       Merredin WA 6415 Ph: (08) 9041 3044 fax: (08) 9041 3120

Fast Facts: Intake:  Applications  Close: Open, various intakes throughout the year

More Information

Nurse Registration

Other Programs

The EWHS is based in Merredin 260 kilometres east of Perth along the Great Eastern Highway, a comfortable two and a half hours drive, and covers an area of 63,763 square kilometres.  The Eastern Wheatbelt Health Service (EWHS) is comprised of:

• Merredin District Hospital 

• Kellerberrin Memorial Hospital

• Southern Cross District Hospital

• Narembeen Memorial District Hospital

• Wyalkatchem/Koorda & Districts Hospital

• Kununoppin & Districts Hospital 

• Mukinbudin Nursing Post,  and

• Community Health Services

Location:

• To facilitate and support recently graduated nurses in their transition into the healthcare workforce
• To provide a broad base of clinical and patient management skills within a rural setting
• To provide an environment within which a graduate nurse is able to develop and consolidate nursing and organisational skills
• Assist the graduate nurse develop an understanding of the skill diversity required to practice within the rural setting

The successful Graduate Nurses will be entitled to the following:

• Negotiable starting dates - with intakes throughout the year

• A comprehensive orientation, preceptorship and support program

• 10 paid study days per year including accommodation and travel

• Meals provided free of charge at all sites

• Accommodation provided free of charge at all sites

• Reimbursement for travel expenses between sites

• The option of extending your contract by 6 months and accessing a $1200.00 bonus

• The opportunity to negotiate a fully funded position in the Fremantle 4 week Emergency Course

The program is a 52 week program that consists of rotations through a variety of sites including:

• Induction/Orientation 1 week
• Merredin District Hospital/Southern Cross District Hospital 20 weeks
• Then rotation through three of the following sites (10 weeks at each site) 30 weeks:
  • Kellerberrin Memorial Hospital
  • Kununoppin & Districts Hospital
  • Merredin District Hospital
  • Narembeen District Memorial Hospital
  • Wyalkatchem/Koorda & Districts Hospital
  • Southern Cross District Hospital
  • Community & Mental Health (Limited to a couple of days during each rotation)
• Annual Leave 2 weeks in middle of program balance of leave available at conclusion of program.  5 weeks

Merredin District Hospital

• Is a modern 36 bed hospital with a dedicated team of management.
• Is serviced by two General Practitioners, with access to obstetric, anesthetic and surgical skills.
• Offers an extensive range of experience in the areas of trauma and emergency nursing and the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of surgical services.
• Provides the only Obstetric Services for the EWHS.
• Is currently completing the development of a dedicated Palliative Care unit to provide a much needed service to the Community.

Kellerberrin Memorial Hospital

• Offers Accident & Emergency/Outpatient experience.
• Is serviced by a General Practitioner, with access to anesthetic & surgical skills.
• Offers Gastro-enterology, Colonoscopy & Endoscopy experience.
• Has a committed team who actively encourage team work, professional development and an ongoing improvement of services to the community.

Wyalkatchem/Koorda & Districts Hospital

• Is an 18 bed hospital with Accident & Emergency, general medical and minor theatre services to the district.
• Has a frail aged lodge which is situated adjacent to the Hospital with the Hospital providing meals, laundry and some nursing supervision.

Southern Cross District Hospital

• Provides major trauma opportunities for those who like things a little more exciting due to mining environment and location along the main highway. 
• Has a proactive management style. Over the last two years, the hospital has implemented a large local computer network which provides e-mai1 and Internet access for all staff.
• Has a strong emphasis on evidence based practice, with an extensive internal Professional Development program. 
• Recently completed a dedicated palliative care/relatives suite which adds an extra dimension for staff and the community alike.

Narembeen District Memorial Hospital

• Is a well equipped 16 bed hospital providing services including acute care, a well aged hostel, Home & Community Care, a fully equipped modern gymnasium, Accident &. Emergency and a number of Health Promotions activities.
• Staff work well together to create a friendly, happy and supportive environment.

Kununoppin & Districts Hospital

• Is a twenty bed acute hospital which provides medical, surgical and paediatric services to the local community.
• In addition, other services such as Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietician, Home and Community Care, Laboratory, Extended Care, Antenatal, Optometry, Podiatry and a Senior Citizens Club are available. 

Community Health

• Is an exciting and positive area in which to work, aiming at promoting, achieving and maintaining healthy lifestyles and offering preventative health programs and screenings of the community.