Fifteen nurses were presented with their certificates after completing their graduate year last year, while 16 began their graduate year. 

Daniel Mengler, the only male among the graduate nurses, said he learnt a lot throughout the year. 

“I’ve just been as much of a sponge as possible, trying to absorb as much as I can,” Mr Mengler said. 

“It’s a bit nerve-racking at the start, but after a while you find your feet.”

Cathy Milner is one of the new graduates starting.

She said it was good to speak to those who had already been through the program. 

“There’s only so much you can learn from books, so it’ll be good just to be out there and doing what we’ve been learning,” Ms Milner said. 

St John of God learning and development co-ordinator Travis Gaylor said the annual ceremony was part of the transition program.

“It’s a symbolic day, which gives the graduates the opportunity share experiences,” Mr Gay said. 

He said the graduates gained experience in the orthopaedic unit, medical and oncology units, surgical unit, theatre, rehabilitation, ICU and emergency department. 

All of the 15 graduate nurses from last year have continued with St John of God in Ballarat.