Graduate Transition Program helps RN thrive
Orla Lagan-Brown (centre) with Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson (left) and EMHS Board Member Vanessa Elliott.
17/04/2024
March 26 was a special day for Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) Registered Nurse (RN) Orla Lagan-Brown. That afternoon, she met with Minister for Health Amber-Jade Sanderson and East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) Board Member Vanessa Elliott, who is also an inaugural member of the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.
The three women discussed the Graduate Transition Program (GTP), a unique training opportunity at EMHS, which Orla has embarked upon from February this year alongside 146 other nurses.
The GTP enables RNs and enrolled nurses to gain hands-on experience with embedded support structures in place, all with the singular aim of building rewarding careers in nursing.
A proud Aboriginal woman, Orla decided to apply for the program while completing her practical learning and working as an assistant in nursing (AIN) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) last year.
“The GTP came highly recommended by staff,” she recalled.
“I also decided a GTP pathway would be ideal due to the amount of support it would provide to a new graduate like me, transitioning from university to full-time nursing.”
For many nursing graduates, the transition can often be a difficult period, but this is where the GTP plays a key role by assisting graduates to develop important skills such as time management and medication safety on the job.
It’s been a positive start for Orla, whose initial six-month GTP placement is on Ward 9A, where she helps care for general and specialty medical patients.
“One of the highlights has been the ability to chat with grad staff and other grads to receive support. I have a close relationship with the other grads on my ward because of this program and I am extremely grateful for this.
“I would highly recommend the GTP as it is able to provide support and a sense of community to new grads rather than feeling as though you are thrown into the deep end of nursing, and the expectations that come with that,” Orla explained, adding her next stop would be the State Major Trauma Unit.
The three women discussed the Graduate Transition Program (GTP), a unique training opportunity at EMHS, which Orla has embarked upon from February this year alongside 146 other nurses.
The GTP enables RNs and enrolled nurses to gain hands-on experience with embedded support structures in place, all with the singular aim of building rewarding careers in nursing.
A proud Aboriginal woman, Orla decided to apply for the program while completing her practical learning and working as an assistant in nursing (AIN) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) last year.
“The GTP came highly recommended by staff,” she recalled.
“I also decided a GTP pathway would be ideal due to the amount of support it would provide to a new graduate like me, transitioning from university to full-time nursing.”
For many nursing graduates, the transition can often be a difficult period, but this is where the GTP plays a key role by assisting graduates to develop important skills such as time management and medication safety on the job.
It’s been a positive start for Orla, whose initial six-month GTP placement is on Ward 9A, where she helps care for general and specialty medical patients.
“One of the highlights has been the ability to chat with grad staff and other grads to receive support. I have a close relationship with the other grads on my ward because of this program and I am extremely grateful for this.
“I would highly recommend the GTP as it is able to provide support and a sense of community to new grads rather than feeling as though you are thrown into the deep end of nursing, and the expectations that come with that,” Orla explained, adding her next stop would be the State Major Trauma Unit.
Last Updated:
17/04/2024