Ayr Hospital’s Newest Nurses Graduate Program Ensures Local Staff

Ayr Health Service has welcomed four graduate nurses to its staff in 2024, bolstering the service’s nursing workforce and the region’s healthcare capabilities.

Three of the new graduates, Macy Davelstein, Dani McFadyen and Nissa Reid, are local to the Burdekin and had been working at the hospital while completing their degrees while Allanis Melvin recently relocated for her new position.

“Historically, Graduate nurses rotated from the Townsville University Hospital and then on completion of their 12-month program returned to Townsville and then we started all over again recruiting to the Graduate positions and training them for our service,” said Ayr Health Service Director of Nursing and Facility Manager Tracey Gabiola.

“It soon became obvious that our nursing workforce would become impacted unless a more strategic plan was put in place in regard to succession planning.”

Ayr Health Service has been employing local Undergraduate Nursing and Midwifery students in their second and third years as Students in Nursing since 2019.

“Once these students successfully complete their degree, they transition as our Graduates,” Ms Gabiola said.

“This Nursing career pathway has proved invaluable for succession planning and provides me with peace of mind knowing I have nursing staff who are home grown and wanting to continue to live and work within our community.”

Nissa Reid has lived in the Burdekin for most of her life and, despite finishing school 10 years ago, was drawn to the challenge of embarking on a career in nursing.

“I went into the workforce out of school and never wanted to go to uni,” she said.

“It’s funny how it’s all come around 10 years later and it’s worked out really well for me.

“I thought I would fail, and I ended up doing really well, so I’m very proud of myself.”

Ms Reid has purchased a house in the area and has no plans to leave the Burdekin.

“It’s nice to continue with the closeknit community of the area and I think the hospital really reflects that in a lot of ways,” she said.

Fellow graduate Dani McFadyen, originally from Scotland, has lived in Home Hill for 12 years and started her career in aged care 10 years ago, deciding to continue studying nursing externally while working at the hospital.

“The hospital is very welcoming,” she said.

“Nothing’s too much if you ask a question and everyone’s very friendly and helpful and just want the best.”

While living in Townsville for university, Macy Dabelstein would return to her hometown of Ayr to work alongside Ms Reid and Ms McFadyen while studying.

“It worked hand in hand with our degree and helped us out,” she said.

She’s since moved back to her hometown to embark on her career.

“It’s good to be home and have quality time,” Ms Dabelstein said.

“It’s a tightknit community and everything’s very chill down in ED (emergency department).”

Meanwhile, Allanis Melvin grew up in Ingham and, upon graduating, applied to the Townsville Hospital Grad Program with Ayr as a preference.

“I chose Ayr because I’m definitely a small-town girl and it feels more comfortable for me,” she said.

“It was somewhere I hadn’t been before, so it was exciting.”

Ms Melvin is following in the footsteps of her mother and both grandmothers who all worked in nursing.

“I’ve grown up surrounded by excellent nurses and I always knew I wanted to do something to help people in a hospital setting,” she said.

“I’m excited to enhance my skills as a nurse.

“All the staff that I’ve met have been really friendly and really helpful.”

Ms Gabiola said the Graduate program will allow Ayr Health Service to ensure appropriate coverage and delivery of service required for the Burdekin community.  

“By the time they commence their Graduate year they are fully orientated and familiar with the hospital, our procedures and their roles,”” she said. 

“Having known these women since they commenced their study and work here, I must admit I am always very proud of their achievements and delighted to have them as fully qualified Registered Nurses.”

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L-R Ayr Hospital’s newest nursing graduates Allanis Melvin, Dani McFadyen, Macy Dabelstein and Nissa Reid

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