Graduate Nurse Program
Phone: +61 (03) 5722 5149
Email: grads@nhw.org.au
Margaret Boyd Education Centre, Dixon Street, Wangaratta, VIC 3677
Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Our Graduate Nurse Program provides an opportunity to develop clinical knowledge and skills in a supportive environment while caring for patients of varying needs in one of the regional health services within the Central Hume Region:
- Benalla Health
- Cooinda Village
- Mansfield District Hospital
- Northeast Health Wangaratta
- Tallangatta Health
- Yarrawonga Health
These health services are part of a collaboration that shares a coordinated approach to recruitment processes and professional development opportunities.
Second Year – Discovery Program
A second-year Discovery Program, with a further two 6-month rotations including rotations into specialist areas. The Discovery Program allows graduates to explore areas of interest while providing an integral pathway to postgraduate studies within Northeast Health.
Registered Graduate Nurse Program
Our aim is to consolidate your foundation skills during your first year through rotations across acute and subacute inpatient units such as Theatre, Medical, Surgical, Residential Aged Care, and Rehabilitation.
During your second year (Discovery Program), additional speciality areas are offered, such as Oncology, Emergency Department, Intensive Care and Community.
Dual Degree Nursing and Midwifery Program
Offers an exciting opportunity to join the team in our busy Maternity Unit. In addition to working in the Maternity Ward, you will be allocated to an acute nursing rotation.
During your second year, exposure to speciality areas such as Ante-Natal Clinic, Domiciliary Nursing and Special Care Nursery will be facilitated.
Dual Degree Nursing and Paramedicine Program
Provides exposure to our fast-paced Emergency Department for six months, followed by a further six month rotation to the Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Health or Intensive Care Unit at Northeast Health.
During your second year, your rotations will be negotiated with the Graduate Coordinator.
What our Graduate Nurses say…
See what our graduate nurses have to say about the program and their experience at Northeast Health Wangaratta.
Angela – Illoura Aged Care
Paige – Midwifery & Nursing
Cody – Emergency Department
Applying for the Graduate Nurse Program
All applicants must be eligible and registered with the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV) Computer Matching Service. Application information and requirements are available at Graduate Nurse Midwifery Program Match – PMCV and NHW Vacancies once applications are open.
How many graduate positions are available?
25 Nursing
4 Dual Degree Nursing and Midwifery
3 Dual Degree Nursing and Paramedicine
How do I apply?
The process is the same for all Graduate applicants. You will need to apply to each facility individually as well as being registered with the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV) Computer Matching Service.
Application information and requirements are available at PMCV Allocation & Placement Service
Information about the application process will appear here when applications are open.
When are applications open?
Applications for the 2024 NHW Graduate Nurse Program open in June 2023.
When and where will interviews be held?
Due to the ongoing changing nature of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), all interviews will be held online during August /September depending on which graduate program you are applying for.
Can International students apply?
Only students who are eligible to register with PMCV can apply for the Graduate Match Program.
When does the graduate year commence?
NHW has 4 intakes for our Graduate Nurse Program each year.
- RN program starts: January, February, March and June
- RN/RM program starts: January and March
- RN/Paramedic starts: January
How many rotations do you get and can I choose where I go?
All positions receive a two-year contract with NHW. During this time, you will complete a total of four rotations of six months each. Two rotations per year.
Registered Graduate Nurses Program
Our aim is to consolidate your foundation skills during your first year through rotations across acute and subacute inpatient units such as Theatre, Medical, Surgical, Residential Aged Care, and Rehabilitation.
During your second year (Discovery Program), additional speciality areas are offered, such as Oncology, Emergency Department, Intensive Care and Community.
Dual Degree Midwifery & Nursing Program
These positions offer an exciting opportunity to join the team in our busy Maternity Unit. In addition to working in the Maternity Ward, you will be allocated to an acute nursing rotation. During your second year, exposure to speciality areas such as Ante-Natal Clinic, Domiciliary Nursing and Special Care Nursery will be facilitated.
Dual Degree Paramedicine & Nursing Program
This position provides you with exposure to our fast-paced Emergency Department for 6 months, followed by a further 6 month rotation to the Urgent Care Centre at Benalla Health or the Intensive Care Unit at Northeast Health. During your second year, your rotations will be negotiated with the Graduate Coordinator.
Am I employed part-time?
At NHW, Graduates are employed for 2 years at 64 hours per fortnight (0.8 FTE). You will be provided with a contract to sign prior to your commencement at NHW.
What shifts do I work during the graduate program?
Northeast Health is a 24 hour/ 7 day facility. So expect to work a mixture of weekdays, weekends and a variety of shift times.
Morning (AM) 0700 - 1530
Afternoon (PM) 1300 - 2130
Night (ND) 2100 - 0730
What study days do I attend?
All graduate Registered Nurses will receive allocated study days.
In addition to the allocated RN study days;
Graduate RN/Paramedic will receive Emergency-specific study days and SMART time sessions.
Graduate RN/RM will receive Midwifery-specific study days and SMART time sessions.
What support does NHW offer during the Graduate Program?
- Clinical Support Nurses across all Departments/Units – will help you with your day-to-day clinical skills development.
- Clinical Nurse Educators – who help to plan your education and study days.
- NUM’s, ANUM’s, CNS’s, RN’s and EN’s and members of the multidisciplinary team are always happy to support your clinical needs and professional development
- Up to 2 weeks of supernumerary shifts
- Graduate Debriefing Sessions
- Allocated Graduate Study Days
- Pathways planning
- Library and Research assistance
- Ongoing emotional/wellbeing support as required
- Benestar – confidential coaching and support
Is there an Enrolled Nurse (EN) Graduate Program?
Yes. Towards the end of the calendar year, there will be an EN Graduate Programme advertised. Please keep an eye on our Careers section and ask your Diploma of Nursing Course Coordinator for further information.
What opportunities are available after the Graduate Program?
There are opportunities for ongoing, short or long term contracts once your Graduate Program has finished. Towards the end of your 2nd year, we recommend that you start applying for positions as they become available.
Post Graduate Opportunities
Postgraduate studies currently available within Northeast Health include:
- Rural Critical Care
- Midwifery
- Perioperative
- Paediatrics
- Special Care Nursery
- Acute Care Nursing – Cardiorespiratory stream
Who can I contact for more information?
NHW Graduate Programs Coordinator
Phone: (03) 5722 5824
Email: grads@nhw.org.au
