Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program

• 2 x Graduate positions
• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Amazing location in the heart of vibrant Fitzroy
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Friendly and supportive team environments
• Part time – 0.8 FTE
• Flexible commencement between November 2026 - January 2027

About the Program
We are seeking candidates for our SVHM Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program who are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, who strive to increase their knowledge and skills, are motivated team members and who demonstrate critical thinking whilst embracing the values of our Health Service.


During your graduate year you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills in a supportive environment, working closely with your preceptor and the opportunity to participate in professional development activities.


Within our Mental Health Department, Graduate Nurses are encouraged to make the most of the extensive learning opportunities and care for patients with a range of clinical conditions. St Vincent’s assists individuals to identify strengths and develop strategies for further growth and professional development.


Our Mental Health Graduate Registered Nurse Program is a 12-month, part time (0.8 FTE) program, which offers supported succession planning that will allow you to achieve your future career goals.





About the Role

Under the guidance of the Graduate Nurse Program Coordinators, Practice Development Nurses, Clinical Support Nurses, Nurse Unit Managers and nursing teams, you will be responsible for the delivery of high-quality patient care in your specific areas.

• Provide high quality patient centred care
• Manage both the physical and emotional well-being of the patient
• Administer medication safely in accordance with hospital policies, procedures and protocols
• Observe, report and document relevant nursing findings as per hospital policy and adjust patient care accordingly
• Liaise with patients, patient families, medical and allied health as required or requested to facilitate the delivery of high-quality patient care
• Facilitate effective admission and discharge processes in accordance with hospital or unit guidelines
• Participate in ongoing professional development by attending training and study days as per the Graduate Nurse Program requirements
• Fulfilling the academic requirements of the Graduate Nurse Program
• Support patients/consumers accessing the Mental Health Department
• Working within the multidisciplinary team to uphold patient/consumer rights by using optimistic language and supporting people during their recovery
• Actively challenging stigmatising attitudes, discrimination and social exclusion in line with the Recovery Model of Mental Health Care.
• Participating in admission, consumer assessment, care planning and discharge planning

Classification for these positions will be Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 2 Year 1 NP11





Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Candidates must be completing a Bachelor of Nursing in 2025/26 and be eligible for registration as a Grade 2 Registered Nurse in 2026/27
• Current Nursing Registration with AHPRA
• Professional personal presentation and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to operate within a “patient centred care” framework
• Ability to facilitate team outcomes in a multidisciplinary environment
• Commitment to ongoing education and professional development
• Ability to prioritise patient care and demonstrate appropriate time management skills
• A valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, or willing to obtain

What We Offer

• A focus on wellbeing initiatives, with regular events and programs
• Confidential, solutions-focused employee counselling
• A healthy work/life balance encouraged
• Ability to join Fitness Passport - Your pass to an extensive choice of fitness facilities
• Salary Packaging – Increase your take home pay!
• In the heart of Fitzroy, CBD at our doorstep, close to some of Melbourne’s best cafes, public transport and lots of carparks
• Discounts and Promotions always available through our Foundation
• Regular opportunities for professional development to assist you to reach your career goals
• Culture of continuous improvement
• Support from senior & education staff based in Mental Health and Emergency Department.

About St Vincent’s Mental Health

St Vincent’s Mental Health (SVMH) provides high quality, recovery-oriented services across an adult area mental health service for the inner-city areas of Yarra and Boroondara. The service utilises the Strengths Model of recovery and this model is embedded across all parts of the mental health service. In addition, the acute inpatient service utilises the Safewards Model. St Vincent’s is also committed to the ongoing development of a strong peer support workforce





Working at St Vincent’s

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is a leading teaching, research and tertiary health service. SVHM provides a diverse range of adult clinical services and is driven by values of Compassion, Justice, Integrity and Excellence. St Vincent’s Mental Health is committed the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff.  We aim to support staff to maintain and develop their skills to provide excellent clinical care and to meet their own personal and career goals.  The service has a strong education and research focus, in addition to affiliations with a number of universities and educational institutions. 



Application

Step 1 - Preparing your online application

The following documents are to be uploaded to Workday (Word document or PDF):

• Cover Letter, addressed to The Mental Health Education Team Leader (Marcie Regester) outlining why you wish to be a Mental Health Graduate Nurse at St Vincent’s (maximum of one page). Please ensure you have clearly outlined which program you are applying for
• Curriculum vitae/resume (maximum of 3 pages).
• Academic transcript to date, with results legend.
• 2x copies of your most recent clinical placement reports. Reports must be sent in their entirety and not selected parts or pages. If your reports are paper based, they will need to be certified (electronic placement reports do not need certification). Preferably one of your reports should be from your most recent mental health placement, unless you have not completed this yet.

Additional Information Required:

• The name and details of two referees (one must be a Clinical Teacher, Preceptor or a senior nurse to whom you have recently reported to).
• Ensure you inform your referee of your intention to list them.
• All components of the application are considered when shortlisting applicants for interview. Notification for interview will be via email.

Step 2 - Attending an Interview

• All our graduate interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, and are in a group interview format.
• If your application is successful, and you are offered an interview, we will give you more information regarding the interview process at that time.
• Interviews will be conducted after the Monday 8 July to mid-August.

Step 3 - Outcome of interviews

• If you are successful at interview and reference checks you will be contacted by phone within 2 weeks of your interview

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately.


We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Inclusion is essential to our mission and diversity reflects the community we serve.


Please visit our website, for further information regarding our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment at SVHM


SVHA has a duty of care under work health and safety legislation to eliminate and/or control the risk of transmission of vaccine preventable diseases in healthcare settings. You may therefore be required to undergo mandatory immunisations/vaccinations (including flu vaccinations).


Contacts:

Marcie Regester – Education Team Leader (Marcella.regester@svha.org.au)

Mental Health Education Team (MHTrainingEducation@svhm.org.au)