Growing Confidence in critical care: Nikki’s Graduate Journey

23 Feb 2026

In one sentence, describe your overall experience of our graduate program. 
It was an incredibly valuable experience that boosted my confidence and gave me transferable skills, helping me grow and develop further as a nurse. 

What would you say are some of the key benefits of doing a graduate program? 
One of the greatest benefits for me was having multiple rotations, which really helped me develop a broader skill set and boost my confidence. Being part of the graduate program meant I received ongoing support and education, which made a big difference in refining my clinical skills and feeling supported through the challenges l faced as a new nurse. 

What feelings did you experience on your first days and weeks of the grad program, and how were you supported? 
Being part of the graduate program gave me the opportunity to build friendships with other graduates, which was really important because l struggled with impostor syndrome when I first started. Being able to debrief with them about their experiences helped ease a lot of my anxieties, and having the guidance and support of our clinical educators made a big difference in helping me feel more confident. 

What learning were you provided, and how did this help you determine your future career path or speciality? 
As part of the graduate program, we attended regular education sessions that provided both guidance and practical learning. The sessions focused on the clinical skills we needed and also allowed us to request education in areas where we wanted extra support. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete a rotation in the CCU (Coronary Care Unit), which I really enjoyed. This experience gave me a chance to explore a nursing specialty I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to pursue. 

How has St John of God Health Care cared for you so you can care for others? 
My team and the organisation has encouraged my ongoing learning both during and after the graduate program. This has made a real difference in my growth as a nurse. I've had the opportunity to gain competency in cannulas, ports, and arterial lines, which has greatly boosted my confidence in clinical practice. 
With the hospital's support, I was also able to complete my Advance Life Support 2 course. Beyond this, St John of God Health Care has supported my goal of further education by providing ongoing guidance and opportunity while I work towards my Master of Clinical Nursing, specialising in critical care, which I am currently halfway through.