TAFE NSW Kingswood has partnered with Australia’s largest private hospital operator to help build western Sydney’s future nursing workforce.
Ramsay Health Care will support enrolled Diploma of Nursing students by providing guaranteed work placement, the opportunity for employment while studying and a guaranteed interview for a position at a local Ramsay hospital after graduating.
It comes as the nation’s nursing ranks face a skills gap worsened by the pandemic, with the Health Department predicting a shortfall of about 85,000 nurses nationwide by 2025.
TAFE NSW Nursing Discipline Leader Zachary Byfield said the Ramsay Cadetship Program demonstrates how a vocational education and training provider can work with industry to address critical workforce needs.
“The pandemic has reinforced the vital role our nurses play in our communities and TAFE NSW is committed to ensuring a steady pipeline of nursing graduates across the state,” Byfield said.
“This partnership ensures TAFE NSW nursing students become part of the Ramsay workforce while still studying and gives them a practical experience of their course material.”
Positions on offer for cadets in NSW include assistants in nursing and undergraduate enrolled nurse or registered nurse or midwifery roles in a range of areas including operating suites, maternity, mental health, cardiac and rehabilitation services.
Ramsay has 73 private hospitals, clinics and day surgery units in Australia including at Campbelltown, Liverpool and Parramatta.
Ramsay Health Care Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director, Dr Bernadette Eather said the cadets will gain valuable experience and genuine insight into the industry.
“They will get to partner with experienced Ramsay Health Care nurses who are committed to providing excellent health care for their patients,” Eather said.
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.
