THE numbers of nurses employed at Orange hospital has reached unprecedented levels with 400 employed in the general hospital including foreign recruited nurses.
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Director of nursing Sue Patterson said Orange is in a fortunate position for a rural hospital compared to others across Australia that are struggling to fill positions.
The numbers of additional nurses employed on a full-time or part time basis is up 100 on the nursing numbers when the hospital was located in Dalton Street and represent applicants being drawn to a new facility and expanded services at the hospital, according to Ms Patterson.
“We found that when we advertise internally and externally we are getting several applications for the one position and that’s a fantastic result for us,” she said.
The numbers at Orange hospital are also made up of casual and some agency nurses who fill shifts when nurses are on sick leave.
“Like any work environment we have periods when we do have staff off sick and although we do use agency nurses those numbers we try to keep to a minimum,” she said.”
Ms Patterson said the recruitment campaign for Orange hospital focusing on services offered rather than individual positions has paid off, and it is the calibre of the facility which is drawing nurses from others areas.
She said the formula of advertising the services offered at the hospital has drawn huge interest in Sydney and other areas.
“People at our stand at the Royal Easter Show and the field days said they couldn’t believe the range of services we offer here such as cardiology and cancer treatment,” she said.
“I think the career opportunities now available here are also a big drawcard for nurses who are keen on working in particular areas,” she said.
Foreign trained nurse Carolyn Zimbiti was convinced to leave Melbourne by a friend who was already working at Orange hospital.
With ten years critical care experience in one of London’s top hospitals with a 38-bed critical care unit she brings a wealth of knowledge to Orange after coming to Australia from the United Kingdom last year.
“I have to say this is one of the best units I have ever worked in in terms of the way they welcome new staff,” she said.
“I have never felt more supported and I just love Orange,” she said.
Ms Patterson said nursing staff are continually being attracted to come to Orange to work from across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally and recruitment for staff expansion is ongoing.
