It seemed as though the 26-year-old's dreams had become a reality until a fortnight ago.

Since graduating five years ago, she has worked at the Launceston General Hospital in several areas, most recently in the orthopaedic surgical ward.

But Ms Van Der Vlist has become a casualty of the budget cuts imposed on the LGH by a state government seeking more than $528 million from health over the next three years to address its funding crisis.

Her work contract ran out two weeks ago and since then she has worked as a casual.

She is one of more than 50 LGH nursing staff employed on short-term contracts who could be out of work by Christmas.

Ms Van Der Vlist, like many of her LGH colleagues, will leave the state early in the New Year to seek work in Queensland.

Even though she grew up here and her parents - who both work in the medical field - are here, she doesn't expect to come back soon.

``There are no jobs for nurses in Tasmania,'' she said.

``Everyone I know who can is looking to leave the state - I know personally five nurses between the ages of 22 and 35 who are going.

``It is devastating for Tasmania because most of them won't come back.'' Ms Van Der Vlist said morale among her colleagues was low but people were rallying together to support each other.

``It is not just about losing our jobs, there is huge concern for our patients.

``This will affect the most vulnerable - the disabled, the elderly, people unable to care for themselves.

``There are not going to be any less patients and, with the loss of staff, who will care for them?''

Ms Van Der Vlist jeopardised her already tenuous position as a state government employee by writing a letter to The Examiner expressing her concern about the budget cuts.