Recruitment Coordinator Jade Barton’s role allows her to find and offer opportunities to those looking to work at Peninsula Health.
With more than 20 years of experience as a nurse, Jade Barton made the decision to move into recruitment to follow her passion for welcoming the next generation of nurses and medical staff to Peninsula Health. We spoke with Jade about her crucial role and why she recommends people should consider Peninsula Health as their employer.
Q: What does a typical day in your role involve?
A: Recruitment is a busy and varied role, and my role can change day to day. One moment, I can be talking to the team, helping them make a decision, and the other I am interviewing applicants, offering jobs, writing contracts, or helping someone get started at Peninsula Health. There is a lot of talking to employees, potential employees and organising, but I love talking to people so that is perfect for me.
Q: Why did you decide to work in recruitment?
A: I was an Assistant Nurse Unit Manager (ANUM) in the Emergency Department and was offered an opportunity to work coordinating the nurse bank and nurse pool team, an element of that role was recruitment, and I loved it.
I completed a Diploma in Human Resources and stayed in the Workforce Bureau, where we created the Centralised Nursing Recruitment team to support managers with recruiting nurses. The role and team continued to evolve to now include all elements of nursing recruitment. I love recruitment as it is another way of helping people in the community – this time not as a nurse helping patients, but helping find nurses to help the patients.
Q: What do like best about your job?
A: Making the phone call to offer someone a job, it’s a lovely phone call to make. And also being able to offer advice to someone and help them find the right job for them.
Q: Why would you encourage someone to work for Peninsula Health?
A: Peninsula Health is a great community hospital, with world-class facilities. In the 20 years I have been with Peninsula Health it really has been a great place to work.
I have grown up on the Mornington Peninsula and have used the hospital for myself, delivered my babies here, and have had family who have needed to utilise the Emergency Department, Theatre and Wards. There is a real sense of pride being able to give back to our community.
Peninsula Health is a very supportive organisation, everyone feels like friends, and it provides a fabulous learning environment. I have had so many different career opportunities; from starting as a Graduate Nurse in 2003, completing post graduate studies in Critical Care Nursing, Immunisation and now Human Resources. I have always been supported to grow my career and try new things.
Q: What are some insider tips you could provide to someone applying to Peninsula Health?
A: My insider tips are to make sure your CV is up to date, not too wordy, and that your cover letter talks about what YOU can bring to Peninsula Health. Also, talk to the nursing recruitment team about what opportunities are available, and work with them to guide you. Sometimes you never know what will be the right fit for you until you try – I never thought I’d leave nursing in the Emergency Department but sometimes the opportunities that come along are the best thing. Nursing is about being passionate, so find an area that works for you, and enjoy your job and take pride in the role you do for people and the community.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: Peninsula Health, provides a terrific work-life balance, and living on the Mornington Peninsula offers a world of opportunities. When I’m not working, I love going to the local beach, walking the dogs, travelling in our caravan, and spending time with my family.
