East Grampians Health Service employs more than 150 full time nursing staff at Ararat and Willaura.

The health service needs to be a leading organisation with all staff having a role in educating others, this is especially important for all nursing staff that have knowledge and experience to share.

It’s vital the health workforce of the future is trained in the settings where they will be working. 

Delivering the Diploma of Nursing program at East Grampians Health Service and providing a diverse range of clinical experiences contributes to the sustainability of our nursing workforce. 

Of the student group currently completing enrolled nurse training at the East Grampians Health Service, 63 per cent are employed within the organisation while the remaining students are employed in the health industry within the wider Grampians region.

The retention rate from our graduate nurse program, which is the first year of registration as a registered nurse, is 70 per cent.

That means nearly three quarters of registered nurses who have undertaken a graduate nurse program at East Grampians Health Service over the past three years remain employed with us. 

Two of these nurses, who are members of our local community, are completing a further two years of training to become registered midwives.

Subject to accreditation from the Australian Nursing Midwifery Council, the Diploma of Nursing Course will commence on March 8 with orientation.

East Grampians Health Service provides low risk midwifery care.

GP-obstetricians and a midwifery team provide antenatal, intra-partum, postnatal and domiciliary care to women in the region.

To seek further information or register for entrance testing, people can email acucom.melbourne@acu.edu.au or phone 9953 3321.

NICK BUSH

Chief Executive, East Grampians Health Service