The nurses, who are made up of graduate nurses and trainee enrolled nurses, have completed the Transitional Enrolled Nurse Program and will now be rostered to work in a variety of areas including rehabilitation, intensive care and mental health.

Orange director of nursing Sue Patterson said Orange was lucky to attract strong numbers of students in the TEN program.

Ms Patterson said attracting sufficient numbers of nurses is a constant challenge for health services, but the calibre of trainees is a source of encouragement.

She said Orange’s nursing staff is made up of 40 per cent enrolled nurses, who can now train in blocks at Orange TAFE, and 60 per cent degree course nurses.

She said enrolled nurses undertaking training are supported when they go on to the wards in a ‘buddy style’ system, where they work closely with a nurse educator.

“This is a closely monitored competency-based system,” Ms Patterson said.

Nurse educator Fiona Ostini said she had received excellent feedback that the TEN block training programs at TAFE are an excellent way to start a nursing career.

Ms Patterson said Orange Base Hospital is continuing to work towards programs which offer encouragement and career opportunities for nurses, to help keep them in the health system.

She said in the last few years there had been a significant shift in nursing training with more people now opting for the enrolled nurse training scheme where block study is undertaken at Orange TAFE campus and ‘on the job’ training at Orange Base Hospital.

“We hope these nurses enjoy working in the area and the regional experience so much they stay on with the health service, especially here in Orange,” Ms Patterson said.

In the last few weeks nurse shortages at Orange Base Hospital - which may lead to some bed closures - has been high on the agenda for discussion between GWAHS representatives, the NSW Nurses Association, and the Orange Medical Staff Council.

Ms Patterson said although nurses working at the hospital took part in a flu vaccination program, the hospital like many work places had been impacted by the flu virus.