A beautiful venue, informative speakers and the chance to connect with peers who are all at the beginning of their nursing and midwifery journey were the highlights of the Association’s first ‘Grads at the Grounds’ day.

What are some strategies to effectively wind down after finishing a demanding shift?
How do you manage grief when a patient dies? Who do you turn to when you are going through a hard time at work?

New nursing and midwifery graduates came away feeling more equipped to answer these common workplace questions after attending the NSWNMA’s Grads at the Grounds day in February.

New graduates interviewed at the end of the event said they came away feeling less anxious and much better prepared to start their new graduate roles. “I feel a lot more confident starting my new graduate journey on Monday,” one new grad said.

Another said the event had taught her not to second guess herself, but that you can put “trust in your skills and knowledge when you have studied for so long”.

The event was facilitated by NSWNMA President O’Bray Smith, and featured panel discussions and practical advice and tips from experienced nurses and midwives like Ellie Peach, an emergency RN and nursing influencer on Instagram, and radiology RN, Nurse Priya.

Nutritionist, TED X speaker and best-selling author Lyndi Cohen gave advice on how to eat well and stay healthy and energised when working as a nurse or midwife.

Event sponsors HESTA, Nurses & Midwives Health, Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia, Health Professionals Bank, and eNurse were on hand to meet with new grads.