Michaela Sharkey will head to Scotland later this year for a nursing graduate program.
Camera IconMichaela Sharkey will head to Scotland later this year for a nursing graduate program. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Nurses head to Scotland for graduate program

Tyler BrownMelville Gazette

FOUR Perth residents are among 91 successful graduate nurses and midwives headed to Scotland this year.

The trip is part of a new partnership between the WA Department of Health and the UK’s NHS Grampian health service where the graduates will spend two years in Scotland receiving training and valuable employment experience.

Bull Creek’s Michaela Sharkey said after being unsuccessful in two graduate-related applications, she saw this program as an opportunity to fulfil her dreams of working as a registered nurse and of working abroad.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I’m excited to experience life in a different country and being of Scottish heritage, I’m looking forward to learning more about where my family originate from and finally following my dream of working as a registered nurse,” she said.

“This program will help me to gain significant personal and professional growth as a health care professional, and to consolidate my knowledge and skills as a nurse.”

Bicton’s Cameron Lawrence said she was excited to start life after university and work in a different country.

Cameron Lawrence.
Camera IconCameron Lawrence. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the NHS as it is well-known for its nursing and midwifery education,” she said.

“This program will help me to develop my clinical skills and gain experience to benefit me in the future.”

Emily Daniels, of Shelley, said she decided to apply for the program because it sounded like a good opportunity to work and explore a new environment so early in her career.

Emily Daniels.
Camera IconEmily Daniels. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I’m looking forward to living and working in a new country with experienced nurses and health professionals,” she said.

She said she hopes to gain new knowledge through the program but says she will miss the WA summer and long walks on the beach with her dog, Rafa.

Darch resident Harry Grisdale said he decided to apply for the program when he was unsuccessful in getting a place in local graduate programs and jobs he had applied for Australia-wide.

Harry Grisdale.
Camera IconHarry Grisdale. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“I’m excited to see and do different things and it will be a new kind of challenge for me to overcome,” he said.

“This program will help me gain a better understanding of myself and as a registered nurse.”

The five-year collaborative partnership was established to support newly qualified nurses and midwives who had been unsuccessful in attaining a position within a recognised graduate program in WA.

“WA Health is listening to the graduates that have been unsuccessful over the past several years and see this as a strategic route that ensures we do not lose novice nurses and midwives to other professions,” acting chief nursing and midwifery officer Tracy Martin said.

“We hope to see many of these graduates back in our health system in a few years’ time with developed skills and knowledge, and a broad understanding of nursing and midwifery.”

Kingsley nurse among WA’s best