View the transcript: https://www.nmsupport.org.au/news/podcast-stories-graduate-year-francis-and-robyn

Mark and special guest co-host Celeste Pinney talk to Francis and Robyn, inspirational recent graduates who fearlessly share their stories of the highs and lows of their grad year. They share their vulnerabilities and offer tips to support other graduates.

We’re not using Francis and Robyn’s last names to protect their privacy.

Robyn discusses the importance of support mechanisms so you can debrief, reflect, and recognise what you need:

“Asking people if they have room for you, if they can hold the space for you to have that deep chat about whatever was going on during a shift or how the whole week was...

Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Your feelings are valid. What you're going through is valid. You're not the only one experiencing it. Try and find if you can. Try and speak up. Talk to your other peers, your fellow grads, and just ask if anyone else is feeling the same way. Because when you find someone that is feeling the same way, it can make you feel not so alone in the emotions you're going through and the experiences that you're having at that time.”

Francis encourages graduates to make the most of your graduate year, to learn as much as you can and enjoy it. He advises to try and let go of your fear and trust in the process.

Francis acknowledges that stressors and difficult times will be inevitable but focus on the pleasure and joy of learning, making connections and setting up your career.

For more tips you can also check out the next episode, Episode 39: A Graduate Coordinator’s advice for new grads with Joanne Purdue. https://www.nmsupport.org.au/news/podcast-graduate-coordinators-advice-new-grads-joanne-purdue

You can also check out our resources for students and graduates. https://www.nmsupport.org.au/students-and-graduates

Support is available. Nurse & Midwife Support is here to talk to you — free, confidential, and 24/7 on 1800 667 877 or by email. https://www.nmsupport.org.au/support

Your graduate year matters!