The first of more than 140 overseas nurses have begun work in the Hunter-New England health district.
The registered nurses were recruited from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Hospitals to receive nurses include Maitland (28), Tamworth (41) and Manning (37).
NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said "I warmly welcome these much needed and valued nurses".
"Health worker shortages in our regions are among the biggest challenges confronting our health system," Mr Park said.
"International recruitment drives are just one way we are helping to attract and retain health workers in our regional and rural areas."
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said "we want to ensure everyone can access high quality healthcare no matter where they live".
A government statement said dozens of the nurses had "already transitioned into their new roles" and were "now settling into the district's hospitals and towns".
The boost follows years of frustration in nursing ranks over staff shortages, burnout, attrition and inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios.
The government first revealed that new nurses would be coming from the UK and Ireland in February.
The nurses are qualified and experienced in emergency, surgical care, intensive care and paediatrics.
Many honed their skills at specialist hospitals in the UK.
As part of their welcome, the new nurses and their families were greeted at the airport, before being transported to their accommodation.
Ongoing training and personal support were provided, including an orientation and buddy system.
This was to ensure the nurses "feel comfortable and supported in their new environment".
The health district is helping the remaining overseas nurses through the visa and immigration process.
Their arrival is expected soon.
The international recruitment drive is one of a range of initiatives to attract and retain nurses to Hunter New England.
Other measures include the employment of more than 250 graduate nurses and midwives, the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, a school-based trainee program and tertiary study subsidies.
NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said "it's fantastic to welcome so many new nurses who have chosen to make the Hunter home".
"These workers will make a real difference to peoples' lives and help deliver better outcomes for patients and their families," Ms Catley said.
She said the Minns government was "working hard to rebuild our public health system".
Elizabeth Grist, executive director of nursing and midwifery at Hunter New England Health, thanked the new nurses for "choosing our district".
"No two days are the same in our hospitals," Ms Grist said.
"We are committed to providing these nurses with continuous opportunities for career-enhancing experiences and learning development across a variety of areas."
