More than 2500 graduate nurses and midwives will start work at about 130 public hospitals and health services from this week, a quarter in rural and regional areas.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits as they embark on their career with NSW Health.

"These enthusiastic nursing and midwifery graduates join NSW Health at an historic moment, in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic," Mr Hazzard said.

"They will have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in in our extraordinary healthcare system as it continues to battle against the threat of COVID-19.

"I am also delighted that more than a quarter of these graduates will work in rural and regional hospitals across the State and wish all our new starters the very best with their careers."

More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011.

The NSW Government has invested in a record total 8,300 frontline health staff over four years, including an additional 5,000 nurses and midwives, including mental health and palliative care nurses.

The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, NSW Health, Jacqui Cross, thanked the new graduates.

"As you embark on this wonderfully rewarding career, remember what you do as nurses and midwives is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities," Ms Cross said.

"Your commitment and compassion combined with clinical skills make a huge difference and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW," she said.