The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) looks forward to welcoming 3,200 new graduate nurses and midwives into the state’s public health system this year, as it continues to face staffing shortages.

NSWNMA General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said the union was keen to see greater investment in clinical support for new nurses and midwives.

“We welcome new graduates entering the public health system after completing their university studies. They are more important than ever to enhancing the nursing and midwifery workforce here in NSW,” said Mr Whaites.

“With this influx of new clinicians comes a greater responsibility from the state government to ensure our next generation of nurses and midwives are well supported, as they transition into fast-paced and challenging environments.

“The union campaigned strongly and won protected supernumerary time for one-on-one intensive learning for new graduates during their first year of practice.

“New graduates rely on a dynamic ecosystem to learn and grow their capabilities. This includes experienced nurses and midwives with the knowledge and skills to guide them, as well as clinical nurse and midwife educators who provide vital training and support.

“Without improvements to pay and conditions, we won’t be able to retain our skilled workforce, which will have significant flow on effects to our junior staff who rely on that expertise and mentorship.

“It’s imperative our hospitals and health facilities have the appropriate resourcing to help new grads integrate into the workforce and give them the best start to build the foundations for a long and successful career.

“The rollout of nurse-to-patient ratios is continuing which will benefit new graduates, ensuring they are working in safely staffed environments so they can provide quality patient care.”

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Katrina Bough, said the Association was eagerly awaiting the upcoming wage decision in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) which new graduates would benefit from.

“Our ongoing fight for improved pay and conditions for public sector nurses, midwives and carers continues through our historic legal case, with the outcome expected in the first quarter of this year,” said Ms Bough.

“In order to have a sustainable and robust nursing and midwifery workforce in NSW, we must see fair and respectful remuneration for our members and the vital work they do.

“We hope the decision will address the historical gendered undervaluation of nurses and midwives, and lead to improved recruitment and retention of the workforce.

“We look forward to meeting and working with our new graduate nurses and midwives throughout their career in the public health system.”