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

Two students from the Graduate Nurse Program at NHW standing in front of medical board
First year Graduate RN’s on the Surgical Ward

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.

Graduate nurse in medical ward at NHW

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.

Maternity graduate nurse

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.

Graduate Nurse sat next to the computer

Dual Degree Nursing and Paramedicine Program

Provides exposure to our fast-paced Emergency Department with an option of two pathway streams.
NHW based Program
– 6 months with NHW ED
– Three x 6 months acute rotations (ICU, Theatre, Paediatrics)
Program through Ambulance Victoria
– 6 months with NHW ED
– 9 months with Ambulance Victoria
– 3 months acute rotation hospital (ICU, Theatre, Surgical) with the option of another 6 months.

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) Allocation & Placement Service. Application information and requirements are available at PMCV Graduate Nursing & Midwifery Program and NHW Vacancies once applications are open.

How many graduate positions are available?

25 Nursing
4 Dual Degree Nursing and Midwifery
4 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 and register with the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV) Allocation & Placement Service. The PMCV Support the recruitment processes for graduate nurses and midwives across Victoria.

More information is available at Graduate Nurse & Midwifery Program (pmcv.com.au)


When are applications open?

The Graduate Nurse Program applications generally open in May each year. When applications are open, they will be advertised on our social media channels and on our website.

When and where will interviews be held?

Interviews will be a mix of online and face-to-face, with dates and details to be confirmed once applications close.

Can International students apply?

International students are now eligible to apply through PMCV Allocation & Placement Service if they are Victorian or Interstate trained temporary residents. New Zealand trained permanent and temporary residents are also eligible to apply.

When does the graduate year commence?

NHW has three intakes: January, February and March with flexible intakes after March. 

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

The Dual Degree Nursing and Paramedic program offers post-graduates exposure to our fast-paced Emergency Department with an option of two pathway streams on a two year contract;

Option 1 - Hospital Based Program
Six months - NHW Emergency Department
3 x six-month acute rotations ( ICU, Theatre, Paediatrics)
Apply through PMCV Allocation & Placement Service

Option 2 - IPG Program with Ambulance Victoria

Six months - NHW Emergency Department
Nine months with Ambulance Victoria
1 x three-month acute rotation (ICU, Theatre, Surgical) with the option for another six-month acute hospital rotation
Apply through Ambulance Victoria or email the NHW Graduate Programs Coordinator grads@nhw.org.au

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

Graduate Nurse Program Health Service logos