Each year, East Grampians Health Service provides a 12 month Graduate Program for nurses by supporting them to acquire the skills and experience required to pursue an exciting and challenging career in nursing.

"The Graduate Nurse Program provides newly graduated nurses with the opportunity to rotate through different areas of nursing, providing them with a comprehensive overview of the many facets of nursing," East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush said.

"These rotations incorporate medical/surgical nursing on the acute ward, peri-operative nursing in the theatre, aged care nursing and district nursing. The graduate nurses are also provided with a week in our Primary Care Department to familiarise themselves with the roles of allied health professionals."

Mr Bush said that 2013 had produced four enthusiastic and passionate graduate nurses to East Grampians Health Service.

"Kate Manton and Nicole Carlyle graduated from University of Ballarat, Mt Helen campus and Lea McCourt and Sahra Jasper graduated from University of Ballarat, Horsham campus," he said.

"They have been in their graduate nursing role since February and excelling."

Director of clinical services at East Grampians Health Service Peter Armstrong said during their 12 month program, the graduate nurses undertake five study days to assist in enhancing and developing their knowledge.

"EGHS was the host to graduate nurses at East Grampians Health Service, Stawell Regional Health, East Wimmera Health Service and Rural Northwest Health for education seminars and simulated learning in our purpose built 'Educational Practice Lab'," he said.

The sessions were provided by educators from East Grampians Health Service, showcasing a high level of knowledge from nursing experts in their specialised fields. These combined study days also provide EGHS graduates with the opportunity to network with other graduate nurses and share experiences and knowledge.