Graduates will start work in John Hunter, Belmont, Calvary Mater and Maitland hospitals.

Others have been assigned to the Royal Newcastle health centre and services in Cessnock, Gloucester, Kurri Kurri, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton.

Jason Carney, 23, of Lambton, will start work today at John Hunter Hospital after graduating from a three-year University of Newcastle course.

"I used to work at Woolworths and a workmate suggested I try nursing," Mr Carney said.

"She thought I'd make a good nurse, so I gave it a go.

"I always enjoyed health and I don't mind helping people."

Mr Carney said he was attracted to the diversity of nursing.

"If you want something fast-paced you can go to emergency, if you want something slower you could do other things," he said.

Hunter Minister Jodi McKay said 162 graduates had accepted jobs in the Hunter New England Health area.

"Most of the nurses will rotate through different wards and services during the year, giving them a chance to learn what kind of nursing they're interested in," Ms McKay said.

"The new nurses will undergo orientation before commencing full-time work."

The nurses added to 79 junior medical officers who started work in the Hunter, Maitland and Tamworth regions last month.

"These new doctors and nurses will help provide high-quality health care," Ms McKay said.

Hunter New England Health director of nursing Chris Kewley said the nurses would have opportunities to work in a "range of clinical settings and communities".