Sonia Kokuru recently graduated from the Bachelor of Nursing at UTS. In March she will start a new graduate position at Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital. The Lamp spoke to her about this challenging but rewarding transition.

Sonia says she is excited but also a bit nervous about her new position.

“I am hoping to get a lot of support from my preceptor and colleagues and senior managers and educators,” she says.

“At the transition course we talked about how new grads are often quite stressed and experience lots of different emotions, and how not to be too shy in the workplace, but to try and communicate openly with everyone in an assertive way.

“I would love to be in a general medical or surgical ward to get up to speed in clinical skills and build my confidence.

“And I hope to have a rotation in an emergency department, because it is fast paced and I really enjoyed my placement there when I was at UTS.”

Sonia recently attended the Association’s transition program where she and other new graduates were able to ask questions about issues such as night shift, swapping rosters and when shifts are published.

“We also talked about workplace violence, and what to do if a patient is being aggressive, and how far can you go to defend yourself.”

Other topics covered included professional indemnity insurance and accident insurance, which the NSWNMA offers to new graduates, Sonia said.

What message does Sonia have for new graduates like herself?

“Just try to enjoy it, be a safe practitioner, learn as much as you can and don’t put too many expectations on yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others: have your own goals and maybe keep a journal to monitor how you go throughout the year. And join the union because they will support 
you. If you have issues they will speak up for you.”