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Switching from the dispatch room to the birthing suite

Swapping their ambo uniform for scrubs, two Queensland Ambulance Service dispatchers are part of this year’s registered nurses and midwives intake.

Many people become good friends at work, but few friends are as good as Kimberley Anderson who has also helped her work buddy Teegen Westmarsh give birth – twice.

Ms Anderson met Ms Westmarsh seven years ago when they both worked in the dispatch room at the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS).

Fast forward to this year and the two friends have joined an intake of 60 other registered nurses and midwives in West Moreton Health’s 12-month graduate program.

Even before their career boost, Ms Anderson and Ms Westmarsh had shared the sort of experiences that bond people for life.

While still a midwifery student, Ms Anderson assisted in the births of two of Ms Westmarsh’s babies.

“They were just the best experiences,” Ms Anderson said.

“Helping someone give birth is … I don’t know … it feels like your heart expands.”

Ms Anderson is working as a graduate midwife at Ipswich Hospital while Ms Westmarsh has taken up a clinical nursing placement at Esk Hospital.

“I put all my eggs in one basket in applying to Ipswich Hospital,” Ms Anderson said.

“I did all my university placements here and was very well supported.

“I also like the community-based maternity clinic programs West Moreton Health runs.

“For many women, it means they can go to a clinic close to home for their pregnancy care and only come to the hospital when they give birth.”

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Karyn Ehren, said the nurses and midwives had arrived at a very important time for the profession: The International Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

“This year marks 200 years since the birth of Florence Nightingale, who was the founder of modern nursing,” Ms Ehren said.

“Nursing and Midwifery are extremely fulfilling careers and our new graduates will gain valuable experience at our hospitals throughout the West Moreton region.”

Read also:

>>> Ipswich nursing legend shares her story

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