Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program (GMHNP)

Graduate nurses are an integral part of our commitment to taking the nursing profession into the future. This includes ensuring that graduate nurses are well supported by senior nursing leaders and that they have the opportunity to experience a range of nursing specialities.

Graduates are recognised as a major source of our new staff recruitment each year. It is in our best interest to welcome graduates into our team and help graduates to become confident and skilled nurses who are truly 'always there when it matters most'.

Our program

Our Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program facilitates a safe and supportive transition to practice. The program also aims to provide you with an opportunity to consolidate and build on your mental health knowledge, skills and confidence.

We offer graduate mental health nurses several benefits and services, including professional study days, clinical support and a social club.

Program summary

• Two six-month clinical rotations
• Intensive Orientation program including Introductions to Recovery Orientated Practice, Management of Clinical Aggression, Safe Orientation to Medication Administration, Working within a Multidisciplinary Team and other exciting workshops
• Extensive support network
• A Graduate Nurse Program Coordinator designated to the wellbeing and success of graduates
• Preceptorship
• One intake per year
• Between 40 and 45 positions
• Supernumerary days
• Certificate on completion of the program
• Six weeks annual leave plus a paid ADO per month for full-time participants
• Salary packaging

Full-time program

Positions are offered as a 40-hour week with an accrued roster day off a month and six weeks annual leave. Salary as per Psychiatric Services Award.

Paid professional study leave

We value lifelong learning for all employees. The Graduate Mental Health Nurse program begins with a structured 10-day orientation program. The orientation program is designed to be both fun and informative, giving you the opportunity to get to know other graduates as well as the members of the nursing education team.

The orientation comprises different activities, workshops and lectures to help you feel more relaxed and confident about beginning your role as a registered nurse in mental health.

After 10-day program, you will start your first rotation side by side with your allocated preceptor for supernumerary days.

Throughout the year there are a further nine paid professional study days. These days will provide you with up-to-date knowledge to help you with your clinical and professional development.

Expert clinical support

Clinical nurse educators, nurse team leaders and clinical nurse consultants

Our senior nursing leadership team is critical in the development of a highly skilled workforce. Clinical nurse educators and team leaders are located within each of the clinical areas. They provide clinical leadership, educational and professional development activities to support you throughout your rotation.

Preceptor support

You will receive additional one-to-one support with an experienced mental health nurse preceptor. The preceptor will work alongside you in the initial period of your rotation. This individualised support will help you to facilitate a positive clinical experience. The preceptor has undertaken further training and accepted responsibility to ensure you are well supported throughout your rotation.

Beyond your graduate year

We pride ourselves on assisting the development of future nursing leaders. Our graduates are highly sought after within the healthcare industry, with greater than 90% of our graduates electing to seek employment back in our services.

Ongoing employment is offered after you've successfully completed your Graduate Nurse Program with the opportunity to undertake clinical rotations in specialty areas.

We also conduct university-affiliated postgraduate programs.

Find out more about our Postgraduate Nurse Program.