new graduate nursing programs 2023 nsw

• MyServiceNSW
• Manage account
• Logout of MyServiceNSW

GradStart in Western NSW

Get your nursing and midwifery career off to a great start with our GradStart program in Western NSW. You'll develop clinical skills, critical thinking and confidence in a supportive environment.

GradStart: Graduate Nursing/Midwifery 2025

Applications for GradStart open 18 June 2024 and close 1 July 2024. 

Why choose Western NSW for GradStart

Skyrocket your career at Western NSW Local Health District (LHD).

More than 15 GradStart pathways are available in Western NSW LHD, giving nurses the opportunity to be more hands-on with patients and quickly develop a wider range of skills.  Our GradStart nurses often build lifelong friendships, experience a true regional lifestyle and can receive incentives of up to $20,000 in many locations.

In two years you can be well on your way to qualify as a clinical nurse specialist, clinical nurse educator or taking steps into management - that's rocket speed!

Western NSW is truly the best place to start a nursing career.

"Three years in to my RN career at Gilgandra, I've completed dialysis training, ALS and triage packages. I'm currently training to be in charge of hospital."

Stacey-Lee, 2020 GradStart Western NSW LHD.

RN Gilgandra Multipurpose Service.

Winner 2022 NSW Health News to Practice Nurse of the year.

"The hands on experience at Dubbo for my GradStart was amazing - a smaller cohort gave me more opportunities. I highly recommend it as someone who never thought I'd be living rural."

Blake, 2022 GradStart Western NSW LHD.

RN - Theatre, Dubbo Health Service.

"In just three years I went from GradStart to RN intensive care and now I'm a clinical nurse educator, supporting new graduates."

Olivia, 2020 GradStart Western NSW LHD.

RN Dubbo Health Service.

New Graduate Support CNE.

The first year's experience in the Western NSW LHD GradStart program is clear:

• Choose from 15 specialty pathways or tailor a pathway to suit your career passions.
• Curated pathways provide exposure to many different situations and presentations to learn and to practice more skills.
• If you're not sure what to specialise in, our general pathway, Rural/Base pathway and WNSWLHD/Justice Health pathway give you a variety of interest areas to explore.
• Specialty Mental Health Drug & Alcohol (MHDA) pathway, with experience in community, inpatient, and drug and alcohol special services. Western NSW LHD is the only District in NSW where completed GradStart year accrues credits for 50% of a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health (course fees valued at around $10,000).
• If you want to change your specialty pathway once you have started your GradStart year, you can discuss with your facility manager other options or pathways within that facility.

There are up to three GradStart start dates in WNSWLHD,  February, June and September.  Please see the location information to see when your preference starts.

Western NSW has a unique support structure to help graduates succeed and stay. 

Our preceptors are trained to support you as a person, not solely focusing on your skills. 

Mentoring is also available and offers further enhancement of skill level, problem analysis and strategic thinking to promote professional and personal growth and boost self-confidence. 

There is regular debriefing for both the nurse and the nursing team to discuss the actions and thought processes involved in clinical situations.

• A GradStart nurse in Western NSW, gets to see more, learn more and do more in a place where every day is different.  
• Spend less time observing and more time hands-on, so your skills and confidence will develop quickly. 
• The wide variety of presentations at Western NSW LHD hospitals, gives you the opportunity to learn as well as master your skills and build a highly desirable portfolio of practice. 
• As well as a minimum of four paid study days per year, accessible educators provide many learning occasions both virtually and in person. 
• In a smaller team and cohort you'll have many opportunities to make a difference.

First nations people make up 13% of our region's population. Our LHD has the largest professional cohort of any health district in NSW, with just over 5% of our workforce identified as Aboriginal and 32 Aboriginal Health Practitioners. 

We have a strong commitment and programs in place, to close the gap in health outcomes and your work will contribute to this goal, every day. 

GradStart orientation and certain learning modules are undertaken as a group, so you get to meet and build friendships with your peers. If you want to be placed for your GradStart year with a friend, let us know and we can accommodate your request, especially at a Multipurpose Service.

With a greater than average proportion of disadvantaged people, many with chronic conditions that are more advanced when presented, you are able to make a real difference – quickly.  In our rural MPS sites you get to manage the patient journey, working with a multidisciplinary team and experience the satisfaction of supporting your patients from admission to discharge.  You really do get to see the results of your work and be appreciated for your care.

GradStart nurses working in a Multipurpose Service are eligible for up to $20,000 in rural workforce incentives. After 12 months, retention incentives of up to $10,000 annually is paid pro-rata at MPS locations. Several locations have facility accommodation available and the cost of living in rural locations is lower, which helps you to save and get ahead. 

Please note accommodation is not available at all facilities and you must contact the facility manager to confirm availability.

Choosing an MPS for your GradStart year, does not limit you to small hospitals for the rest of your career.  Large hospitals value the broad training provided in an MPS GradStart year and you will be very employable – especially in critical care areas.

Working at an MPS site you will learn, acute care, ED and geriatric medicine, chronic care, managing a deteriorating patient and how to use Australia’s leading virtual health technology.

GradStart positions in Western NSW LHD are permanent positions. GradStart nurses move easily into year two structured support, with study opportunities, scholarships and specialised pathways.  Working at an MPS site means you'll be trained in Triage and ALS, which is usually learnt in year 5, and at a base site (Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst) you can fast track to Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Educator or management positions.

For the last two years Western NSW LHD GradStart nurses have won the prestigious NSW Health 'New to Practice Nurse' award - a state-wide honour.  Will you be next?

• 2023 NSW Health 'New to Practice Nurse' winner - Garima, Coonabarabran Health Service
• 2022 NSW Health 'New to Practice Nurse' winner - Stacey-Lee, Gilgandra Multipurpose Service

Complete their GradStart year in Western NSW LHD.

Stay with Western NSW LHD for a 2nd year.

Are still in Western NSW LHD in their 3rd year.

A great place to live and work

Our region is so diverse, there's something for everyone. You can create a lifestyle where you can live your best life, focusing on the things that really matter to you.

Learn about the  Western NSW region and unique lifestyle .

Find out more about our communities.

Getting here and away

Western NSW LHD is the largest Local Health District in NSW, covering an area of 246,676 square kilometres, similar to the size of the United Kingdom.

Travel around the District by car easily. Download our map with approximate travel times (PDF 763.23KB) (PDF 763.23KB) (PDF 763.23KB)

Direct flights are available to Sydney from Dubbo, Orange, Parkes, Mudgee, Cobar and Bourke and to Melbourne and Brisbane from Dubbo and Orange.

From Dubbo or Orange enjoy a scenic drive to our Multipurpose Services, which will take 1hr to 4.5hrs depending on the location.  A drivers licence is highly recommended.

Important GradStart application information

Get started on your GradStart journey in Western NSW LHD. 

GradStart positions are completed over a 12 month period either full time or part time.  

Consult the 2025 GradStart handbook for more detailed information about the application process.

• Gradstart 2025 applications open :  18 June.    GradStart: - Careers in nursing and midwifery
• Gradstart 2025 applications close: 1 July
• Interview invitation:  23 July by email.  You must accept/decline by 30 July.
• Interviews: 5 - 30 August
• Recruitment outcome:  15 October by email
• If successful, acceptance deadline:  21 October

Eligibility conditions are outlined in the 2025 GradStart Handbook. You require two clinical references as part of the GradStart selection process.

If eligible but no position vacant: you will be placed in the 'eligible applicants bank' (EAB) and be contacted by phone by interested LHDs who may offer you a position.  Applicants on the EAB will be contacted from 28 October 2024.  The EAB will remain open until August 2025.

If you haven't heard from us, you can always get in touch by emailing [email protected]  We are very keen to hear from you!

If you decline an offer made by one of your facility preferences, you will no longer be eligible for future offers. 

If you decline an offer made from a facility outside of your preferences, the you are eligible for  one further position offer. If you decline a second offer, there will be no further offers. 

Registered Nurses in their GradStart year are covered under the Nurses and Midwives (state) Award 2023

• Pay rate: $1342.50/ per week or $35.33/ per hour.
• Penalties: Sat 150% | Sun 175% | Pub Hol 200% | PM shift 10-12.5% | Night shift 10-15%
• Overtime (O/T) 10+ hours: Mon-Sat +150% first 2 O/T hours then +200%.  Sun +200% for all O/T hours
• Holidays & sick leave:  Entitlements as per the award

Several facilities provide accommodation for GradStart nurses, you pay the award rate of $98/week.  

You need to organise this with the Health Service Manager of your facility. See also location information.

Download the WNSWLHD GradStart pathway options by location (PDF 133.35KB) , for details of the specialties available for GradStart in 2025 in Western NSW Local Health District.

Additional information

• Incentives – additional financial incentives are offered for all MPS sites, Cobar Hospital and Canowindra Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
• Length of placements – Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo only accept 12 month placements, all other locations can be either 6 or 12 months.
• Part-time placements – offered in Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo only.
• Intake dates – All sites offer placements starting in February & June.  Dubbo and Orange also offer placements starting in September.
• Accommodation – may be available at all locations (some only short team), however this is subject to availability and details would need to be discussed with the relevant facility manager.

The GradStart application website can be a little confusing.  

To make it easier for you to select the option that works best for you, we have created the below table.

How to apply

Gradstart 2024 - june intake.

Contact us as soon as possible by emailing  [email protected]  and we will be in contact to organise an interview.

GradStart 2025

GradStart 2025 applications open 9:00am 18 June 2024 and close 11:59pm 1 July 2024.

Find out more and apply through NSW Health.

Download the 2025 GradStart Handbook  for more information.

For GradStart enquiries and more information on the positions and incentives available, contact Jackie Corliss - Manager, Graduate Programs and Traineeship on (02) 6330 5825 [email protected]

For Midwifery GradStart, contact Alison Loudon - District Manager Maternity and Children’s Strategies on (02) 02 6809 8775   [email protected]  

For MHDA Gradstart, contact Ines Cowden - District Nurse Educator MHDA on 02 6369 8730  [email protected]

Our stories

Meet our GradStart team and hear what it's like to live and work in Western NSW.

WNSWLHD GradStart - Meet Blake

Blake completed his GradStart at Western NSW LHD and shares with us the unique opportunities he had to advance his nursing...

WNSWLHD Maddie's GradStart story

Maddie completed her nursing GradStart at Western NSW LHD and shares some of the highlights of her time and why you should...

WNSWLHD GradStart - Meet Olivia

Olivia completed her GradStart nursing at Western NSW LHD and shares with us the impact this has made on advancing her...

GradStart in Western NSW LHD

Our regional and rural Gradstart graduates get ‘hands on’ much earlier than their metropolitan counterparts.

Meet Kendall - Mental Health GradStart

Kendall moved to Orange to join the Western NSW Mental Health GradStart program.

Meet Lucia - Mental Health GradStart

Lucia has more support in the Western NSW Mental Health NewGrad program than her peers in Sydney.

Meet Taylor - Mental Health GradStart

Taylor is so happy living in Orange for Mental Health Grad Start, she doesn't want to leave.

Meet Isabella - GradStart Western NSW

After moving from Wollongong, newly graduated Registered Nurse Isabella is loving relaxed country life, working in both...

Blake completed his GradStart at Western NSW LHD and shares with us the unique opportunities he had to advance his nursing career and why you should choose Western for your GradStart year!

So my name is Blake Dawson and I'm located in Dubbo Base Hospital. I lived on the Central Coast and chose to move out here for my new graduate programme in my final year university. I did a placement here at Dubai Hospital Emergency department, absolutely loved it. The staff were amazing, made me feel like part of the team so decided from then that I would come out here and do my new graduate programme. The hands on experience I got out here being a grad in Dubbo was amazing because there's a smaller cohort I had more opportunities to get hands on experience. Interesting rotations as well. There are more options out here for that I didn't get on the Central Coast. 

Learning about rural and indigenous health as well was a big part of wanting to come out here as well. So prior to starting my new graduate program I worked in the US hospitals. There wasn't always a doctor on site so for me it was very fast paced and I got to learn very quickly. So due to working amps is yes, I did get exposed to a lot more skills, quicker I guess being here in rural health, no doctor on site, it was just me and one other nurse dealing with emergency patients as well as aged care and community care. In my graduate I started with coronary care and stroke unit and then I moved on to the dialysis renal unit and finished in paediatrics since finishing grad year due to the foundational knowledge I got during the program, I've managed to go on and do my advanced life support training which I have recently completed and will now be transitioning into working in theatres in Recovery and Aesthetics and Scrub Scouting. 

If you think about choosing western, I highly recommend it due to a smaller cohort you will get more hands on experience. The rotations are amazing. Everyone out here is lovely, the nurses, staff, doctors, everyone's been really helpful. Yeah, I would highly recommend it for someone who never thought I'd be living rural.

Maddie completed her nursing GradStart at Western NSW LHD and shares some of the highlights of her time and why you should choose Western for your GradStart year!

My names Maddie. I was located at Orange NSW for my new grad year in 2023. Something I didn't expect before entering my new grad Orange, I didn't expect to get into cardiology. That was my favourite part of my 3 rotations. You get opportunities to try different wards, different areas. Having a mentor in Cath lab had a huge impact because we followed through every case together. I wasn't just bounced from one RN to another, it was the same nurse throughout the whole two months I had the rotation there. Our CNE's here on each wards, as well as our new grad CNE's just provide so much care. They they know you, then you're not just a number, you're a person. They know you on a personal level and are just there for you all the time, even when you're not on the floor. I'd recommend definitely coming here just because of the opportunities that Western do provide.

Olivia completed her GradStart nursing at Western NSW LHD and shares with us the impact this has made on advancing her nursing career and why you should choose Western for your GradStart year!

My name is Olivia Sheather. I was located at Dubbo Base Hospital for my new grad year. I had never even travelled to western NSW before I got my new grad. I wanted to go back coastal and my boyfriend that I met in Armidale, he was from the country. We kind of couldn't come to a good middle ground and we started looking for other options of what would suit us best. We found Dubbo to be the perfect mix between country and city. He got a job in ag and I got a job here at the hospital. I loved being a new grad in Western because I felt it was really supportive. I would just say for new grads choosing Western, don't scratch it just because it's somewhere that you haven't been before or you haven't heard much about. It's somewhere where you'll make really great connections and a really good foundation for your career. 

In terms of rotations, we have a range of different areas that you can rotate through and that has been really wonderful to see different grads get to test out things that they wouldn't have commonly done if they were to stay in different districts. I think it's really important to use your grad year as a test year to work out what you really want to do and where you'd like to be. Don't sell yourself short on what you want to do.

[On-screen text] Nursing and midwifery Every person Every time Exceptional care

Theatres - Dubbo Base Hospital

I'm just getting an urgent cesarean section down, so you can go and have the girls in one.

[Holly - Registered Nurse]

I can do that. My name is Holly and I am a Registered Nurse working in Dubbo Theatres. I graduated uni in 2019 and started with New South Wales Health in the GradStart program, which enabled me to transition into my nursing career with a little bit more support from educators and other nurses.

There's always so much to learn as a nurse so it sort of just enabled me to continue learning as I was practicing and starting my nursing career.

Know what we're doing for you today?

Are you warm enough?

Comfortable?

No worries at all.

Perfect, all right, I'll see you in there in a minute.

Thanks Holly.

[Cameron - GradStart Registered Nurse]

Just let me know all right if you need anything. Do you need anything? Buzz me if you need me, ok? My name is Cameron, I am a new Grad RN at Dubbo Base Hospital.

The last four weeks of being a new Grad RN, I felt very supported. We've actually got quite a lot of mentors and buddies so we've got our educators as I've got Hayley in G Ward. Last but not least. Perfect The order is one gram and we've got normal saline 500, ends in and September 22.

[Cameron - GradStart Registered Nurse] It's a really good culture, especially where i am at the moment. We're doing 3 rotations over 12 months so I'm in G Ward, for another 2 months I believe? I hope that I go to the ICU.

I'm gonna increase the infusion rate to a bit higher, okay?

[Holly - Registered Nurse] I did my first rotation at Dubbo Hospital in the operating theatre, so in the perioperative environment. It was completely new to me, all of it, but I just loved it. I loved standing right beside the surgeon and helping them and knowing that I'm helping the patient as well.

[Cameron - GradStart Registered Nurse] In Dubbo you can say hi to most people and they'll say hi back. I've built quite a life here with just work and you know some of them, these nurses have become my closest friends.

So, I'm actually a Newcastle boy. I moved here to start studying my EN, so I decided to get back into football, soccer. I've coached the under eights and I also play first and second grades, so I play for South Dubbo Wanderers. It's my second family.

[Holly - Registered Nurse] I just love the Dubbo community, everything you need is in Dubbo and the fact that the hospital is expanding so much is helping us, in a, from a health point of view. My fiance lives in Wellington, which is only 30 minutes away. We, we're gonna build Geary, which is halfway between the two.

[Cameron - GradStart Registered Nurse] So, Robin, we're just going to take you down to the transit lounge, okay?

The best thing about nursing is you can make a difference. We are lucky enough to have a massive impact on patients lives.

Yeah, I'm very, very lucky I love what I do. I would 100 recommend the GradStart Program. The support that the educators give you is amazing, there's always someone around to help when you're a GradStart nurse. There's so many resources available to you as a grad start nurse so it's, it was just a fantastic start to my nursing career. I don't have one regret at all about applying for a GradStart position with New South Wales Health.

[On-screen text]

NSW Helath Nursing and Midwifery Office GradStart Nursing and Midwifery recruitment health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/employment/Pages

[Interviewer]

What would you say to somebody about moving to Orange to join our new grad program?

So I personally moved to Orange. I'd never been to Orange before. Never and I took the chance and did it. Um definitely, like it's scary it's really intimidating um but just the support that you get it's worth it. It's really worth the move and you always have someone there for you and that's the thing it's like almost like you have a family with lots of friends around.

Just take the chance, you may as well.

No, I was really nervous. I think starting like a new grad position anyway like is nerve-wracking um, but you know when I first came in, like I think we've had support from day dot, like you guys like have always been available for us and always have had the time to um help us out whenever we need to after hours even. When I need a good cry. 

But, no I think it's really great I don't think when I talk to some of my other friends who are new grads I don't think they've had the support that we've been given to here so I really appreciate it and I do think it is needed in mental health. Sometimes it's a bit tough but you guys make it easier.

Would you have any comments to anyone who was not living in Orange and is maybe looking at a NewGrad program here?

Yeah, I moved from Wollongong, so I've always grown up on the coast being like five minutes away from the beach, so coming here was a bit of a change. But it's nice, it's a nice little town. There's stuff to do which is fun um but yeah I think it's a nice town, everyone's nice. The weather's a bit different but, you know, you've got to get used to change sometimes.

Do you have any comments about moving to Orange to do a NewGrad program?

Um, I actually really like Orange.

I'd never even been here before I moved, um I just knew I wanted to work in mental health and knew that like, Bloomfield seemed very appealing um and yeah I really like it I don't think I'm gonna leave.

I don't know, you just gotta like plant the little seeds where you want them to kind of grow and like that's what I want to do here so, yeah.

After moving from Wollongong, newly graduated Registered Nurse Isabella is loving relaxed country life, working in both Dubbo and Gilgandra.

I'm Isabella Dark and I'm a Registered Nurse at Gilgandra MPS.

I am a new graduate Registered Nurse, I finished uni last year. So I did 6 months at Dubbo Base Hospital and 6 months out here at Gilgandra, so that's a supported program that we do for our first year out of uni, just so we can get our competencies marked off and learn the skills in a safer environment.

I moved from Wollongong at the beginning of the year to Dubbo. I've really enjoyed being out in the country, it's quite relaxed, everyone's really nice, I've made lots of friends, no traffic - that's good. Yeah, just really love how relaxed it is, how easy going and just really loving that change from the city and the busyness of that.

Related information

• Nursing careers
• Midwifery careers
• Why work in Western NSW

CCLHD Nursing and Midwifery Program

Welcome to Central Coast Local Health District. We look forward to you joining us and helping contribute to our vision of a healthy and vibrant Central Coast community. The Central Coast strikes the perfect balance between regional and metro, bordered by stunning bush and beaches. Live and work as part of our diverse community and make a real difference to the people around you.

CCLHD is a large recruiter of new graduate nurses, and we offer a supported program in all of our facilities and services. CCLHD also offers a Transition to Professional Practice Program for suitable second year Registered Nurses after the Grad Start year has been completed.

Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) offers a supportive environment to transition from student to practitioner, for new Registered Midwives and Registered Nurses.

CCLHD is comprised of a range of facilities at Gosford, Wyong, and Woy Woy Hospitals. It also encompasses services such as Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Services and Community Health. Each facility and service offer nurses and midwives a diverse and exciting range of experiences including emergency nursing, perioperative nursing, intensive care, mental health, Drug and Alcohol, generalist, and specialist medical and surgical experiences which provide a diverse range of opportunities for the nursing Grad Start program participants.

Each year our midwives deliver approximately 3000 babies a year as well as provide quality antenatal and postnatal care. CCLHD offers a range of midwifery and collaborative models of care; including Midwifery Group practice, offer modern birthing rooms and water immersion for labour and birth in our Gosford Birthing facility. CCLHD maternity services work collaboratively with CCLHD  Ngiyang  Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service to provide culturally sensitive pregnancy care and parenting support.

CCLHD nurses and midwives are renowned for their innovative thinking and compassionate work practices which are celebrated annually at our CCLHD Nursing and Midwifery awards. This is in addition to our annual year in review publication, which highlights the progress we are making in using evidence-based practice to advance nursing and midwifery excellence in practice, education, leadership and research. Our nursing and midwifery research advisory group’s focus is to enable, grow and lead nursing and midwifery research in order to improve care delivery and enhance the health and well-being of our community. We are committed to engaging staff and fostering an environment where innovative clinical and business practices thrive, where teamwork is acknowledged, and achievement is recognised.

Eligibility

• Completing nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2023 and 31 May 2024
• Will meet all the requirements to become a registered nurse or registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) before the agreed date that you’ll start work
• Australian Citizen or hold a visa allowing ongoing full time employment in Australia

What we offer

• A structured program within a supportive learning environment
• Regular peer support sessions
• Program dedicated Education Consultant and Nurse Manager
• Performance feedback and skill development

Registered Midwives

• 12 month temporary contract working full time
• Positions at Gosford Hospital with rotations in antenatal clinics, birthing suite and maternity ward

Registered Nurses

• 2 intakes (early and mid-year intake)
• Permanent positions offered to Australian residents and temporary contracts offered to visa applicants. Part-time positions available at 32 hours per week and other hours as negotiated
• Positions in acute and sub-acute facilities (Wyong, Gosford, Woy Woy Hospitals and Community Nursing)
• 2 x 6-month rotations (medical, surgical, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, perioperative, community nursing, , emergency department, paediatrics, coronary care, cancer services, medical imaging as well as drug and alcohol services)
• 12-month direct entry programs available in Emergency Department, Mental Health, Perioperative and Community.

Recruitment Process

• Applications open in June each year, apply through GradStart: Graduate nursing and midwifery recruitment – Careers in nursing and midwifery (nsw.gov.au)
• Interviews held August 2023

Alison Read [email protected] 02 4320 5220

Current Opportunities

Ramsay health care graduate pathways program, graduate program opportunities at ramsay health care, programs for enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and registered midwifes, application dates & timelines august for february 2025 & august 2025.

Ramsay Health Care offers two intakes each year, commencing in August and February across a variety of facilities throughout Australia.

February 2025 Intake

• Applications Open:  Monday, July 15, 2024. Find more information about the application process below.
• Applications Close: Sunday, August 18, 2024 11:55 PM 
• Application Review : Applications will be reviewed once the application deadline has closed
• Interviews: Interviews will take place from September to December 2025

August 2025 Intake

• Applications Open:  Mid-March 2025

Stay Informed and join Our Future Ramsay Graduate Nursing & Midwifery Network! 

By joining the network, you'll gain access to:

• Key program information:  Discover everything you need to know about the Ramsay Graduate Program, including its benefits and career pathways.
• Application timelines and tips: Get insights into the application process and valuable tips to help you submit a strong application.

Application Process – Graduate Pathways Program Nursing & Midwifery

Ready to unlock your potential.

We welcome applications from graduates across Australia! To ensure a smooth application process, please follow these steps:

1. Choose Your State: We offer the Graduate Pathways Program across various states. To make the process efficient and avoid duplicates, please select the state you prefer to work in and submit only one application for that specific state .

2. Find Your Program Link : Click on the link below corresponding to your preferred state:

• Western Australia February 2025 Intake: Applications closed
• New South Wales  February 2025   Intake:  Applications closed
• Victoria  February 2025  Intake:  Applications closed
• Queensland  February 2025   Intake:  Applications closed
• South Australia Ramsay Clinic  February 2025   Intake:  Applications closed

3. Complete the Application: Each state-specific link will guide you through the application process. Please ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have all necessary documents prepared before applying.

What you will need to Apply

The application process takes approximately 10 minutes. See below the documents and information required to complete your application:

• Up-to-date resume (no cover letter required)
• Placement Feedback: A copy of your most recent clinical placement feedback (if you are currently undertaking placement, you can use the previous placement feedback document)
• Motivational question: Tell us why you want to join the Ramsay program and how your values align with the Ramsay Way of working!
• Explore your options: Explore our diverse range of specialties and hospitals to identify the perfect fit for your career aspirations. During your application, we invite you to share your top two preferences for both specialty and location . To learn about our hospitals and specialties available visit  Ramsay Hospitals Information

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in our Graduate Program, you’ll need to:

• Hold a completed nursing or midwifery degree : This ensures you possess the necessary academic foundation for our program.
• Have full working rights in Australia:  This allows you to legally be employed upon course completion.
• Meet the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration requirements as an Enrolled Nurse, Registered Nurse, or Registered Midwife:  This ensures you meet the regulatory standards for practicing as a nurse or midwife in Australia .
• You can start your application for registration with AHPRA up to 3 months before completing your studies. Please refer to the  AHPRA  website for more information.

Additional Information

• For more information on our graduate and intern program, visit our Clinical Graduate Pathway Program Page
• Stay informed and j oin our  Future Ramsay Graduate Nursing and Midwifery Network 
• For more information on application process and application tips, visit our How To apply section
• For all  Clinical Graduate  (Nursing, Allied Health and Pharmacy) related enquiries please email  [email protected] .
• If you are interested to join the Business/Corporate Graduate Program, please   visit our Global Corporate Program section

• Services and Clinics

SESLHD is a major employer of newly registered and enrolled nurses and midwives in NSW. If you are a newly qualified nurse or midwife who is interested in:

• starting your career in a leading Local Health District
• working in some of the state's finest hospitals
• experiencing a variety of clinical specialties and importantly,
• being supported in your new role

...then you arrived at the right place.

Transition to Professional Practice (Graduate nursing and midwifery recruitment)

Our Hospitals

For more information about our hospitals, services and graduate programs, see below.

Prince of Wales Hospital

• Registered Nurse GradStart
• Registered Nurse GradStart- Perioperative Program
• Registered Nurse GradStart - PACH
• Registered Nurse Rural Metro Exchange Program

Calvary Hospital 

Garrawarra centre, seslhd mental health program, population and community health, royal hospital for women.

• Registered Midwife GradStart
• Registered Nurse GradStart – Gynaecology/ Gynaecological Oncology, Close Observation Unit/ Recovery/ Da
• Registered Nurse GradStart – Newborn Care Center
• Registered Nurse Midstart

St. George Hospital

The sutherland hospital, sydney hospital/sydney eye hospital.

• Registered Nurse GradStart- General Program

War Memorial Hospital

Hear from our senior nurses and midwives.

• Emergency information
• Increase Font Size
• Decrease Font Size

Frequently asked questions about GradStart

​on this page, can i start preparing my application now, can i apply for gradstart in both nursing and midwifery.

• I'm thinking about Honours. Should I still apply to GradStart?

Is there help for using the NSW Health Careers for a job application?

How can i check that i meet english language requirements for registration, i have a working with children check (wwcc) clearance number. can i use this for gradstart, what documentation is required to comply with nsw health immunisation policy, i have missed the application closing date. can i still apply.

• How do I withdraw my application?

Can I request to be employed on reduced hours?

Can i enter the same preference more than once, do i need to nominate eight preferences for employment in my application, i have forgotten my password. how can i complete my application.

• I have changed my email account. How can I update it?

I received a letter that I am successful for a position in GradStart, but I didn't get an email to accept my position. What can I do?

• I am in the Eligible Applicants’ Bank (EAB). How long is it open?

Can I apply to GradStart again?

Can i take unplanned leave or defer my gradstart program, i accidentally declined my reference check request – what next, can i update a referee email or add another referee.

Yes. Applications open online Tuesday 18 June 2024 , but you can prepare your application in advance. When preparing your application, consider employment preferences , how you're going to address the selection criteria and gathering the supporting documents you'll need.

See the Checklist for guidance.

Yes. You can apply to both nursing and midwifery within GradStart if you expect to register both as a nurse and midwife with AHPRA, however, dual registrant RN/RM new graduate positions are not offered in NSW public hospitals.

You will need to contact the Nursing and Midwifery Office via email [email protected] to organise submission of separate applications.

I'm thinking about studying Honours. Should I still apply to GradStart?

If you are considering studying Honours in 2025 you are welcome to apply to GradStart. You can withdraw from GradStart at any time once accepted into an Honours program and remain eligible for GradStart 2026. Please notify us at [email protected] and we will update this information in your application.

To combine part-time study as an Honours student with part-time employment in a new graduate program, discuss your options with the GradStart Coordinator at the interviewing facility.

Yes. For assistance using NSW Health Careers for your GradStart application, please watch the GradStart and MidStart Annual Recruitment video .

The English language skills registration standard (2019) applies to all nurses and midwives applying for initial registration, regardless of whether they qualified in Australia or overseas. If you do not meet the standard you may not be able to register with AHPRA, impacting on your employment opportunities. All applicants should check the level of evidence required to apply for initial registration as a nurse and/or midwife well in advance of applying to AHPRA. For more information visit NMBA - English language skills .

If you are required to undertake an English language test to gain registration, you should complete this as soon as possible. Delays in employment will occur if your registration cannot be processed.

You will need to provide a WWCC clearance number or a WWCC application number for paid employment . If your WWCC is a volunteer check , it is not valid for paid work. Your WWCC must be renewed before it expires to remain valid.

For more information and to renew or update your WWCC, go to Office of the Children’s Guardian - How to apply for a WWCC .

Please see the policy directive Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases .

Proof of immunisation compliance are signed records by your immunisation provider, for example, your doctor or nurse immuniser. If you are enrolled in Medicare, you can also apply for an immunisation history statement by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register .

No. GradStart is a once yearly state-wide application and recruitment process. Applications close 11:59 pm Monday 1 July 2024 .

Late applications are not accepted and there are no exceptions to this. Should you have significant extenuating circumstances please contact [email protected] to discuss.

I no longer want to apply to GradStart 2025. How do I withdraw my application?

To withdraw:

• prior to interview log in to your application and select ‘Withdraw’ next to the role you have applied for. Applications cannot be reinstated once withdrawn.
• when you have accepted an invitation to interview , please contact the GradStart coordinator to let them know you have withdrawn your application.
• after interview , please contact the GradStart coordinator at the facility where you interviewed.

The coordinator will document reasons for your withdrawal at this stage of the campaign to be considered for eligibility to next year’s GradStart campaign. If you have been delayed in completing your course until after 31 May 2025, withdraw your application and re-apply next year to 2026 GradStart.

Discuss a request to be employed on reduced hours with your local GradStart coordinator . Once employed, position changes or requests are managed on an individual basis with the employing facility.

Yes. It is important to note that entering the same preference more than once does not increase your chances of gaining employment at that facility.

Applicants must nominate a minimum of six employment preferences.

If you are a current employee with NSW Health, reset your password by contacting the Statewide Service Desk on 1300 285 533.

If you are not a NSW Health employee, reset your password via the forgot your password link at account login or, contact the Customer Experience Team on 1300 679 367.

I have changed my email account. How can I update my email account?

You can update personal information, including your email address, by logging into NSW Health Careers and accessing ‘My Profile.’

If your email address is no longer valid and is needed to reset a password, the Customer Experience Team can assist by contacting them on 1300 679 367. Also advise your GradStart coordinator that your contact details have been updated.

You can accept or decline your offer by navigating to NSW Health Careers .

Follow instructions outlined for both internal and external candidates for Accepting or declining your offer .

I am in the Eligible Applicants’ Bank (EAB). How long is the EAB open?

The Eligible Applicants’ Bank will remain open until the end of May 2025 or until all positions are filled, whichever occurs first. Your name will remain on the Eligible Applicants’ Bank during this time unless you decline an offer from one of your eight preferences, or if you decline two offers from facilities which are not included in your preferences.

No. If you are completing your nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2024 and 31 May 2025 you are eligible for 2025 GradStart.

Discuss any unplanned leave or deferral with your local GradStart coordinator . Once a candidate is employed, position changes are managed on an individual basis at the employing facility.

Candidates can contact 1300 443 966 for assistance and will be resent an email.

Log into Harver and edit or delete referee details at any time until a referee has completed the reference check. Contact 1300 443 966 if you need assistance.

• Faculty/Staff
• Find People

Full Admission Requirements to the Graduate Nursing Program

Each student must submit an application to the USI School of Graduate Studies . Applications are not reviewed until all materials have been received.  Applicants must be admitted to USI Graduate Studies before their materials can be reviewed by the Graduate Nursing Chair.

The USI School of Graduate Studies section of the Graduate Bulletin outlines several policies that are specific to graduate study. The Academic Information and Policies includes the University’s Progress Toward the Degree and Retention Policies.   

Note:  Individual degree programs may have additional/higher requirements, which would be indicated on its academic program page in the bulletin.

USI Online Learning has parameters specific to geographic location and distance education through USI.

General Admission Criteria

All students must complete drug screening and criminal record verification upon entry into the program. See the  CNHP handbook located on the CNHP website for specific information. Submission of documentation to the University's preferred third party agency is required prior to the enrollment of the first graduate nursing course. Failure to provide this agency information, even with negative results, will jeopardize enrollment or progression in Graduate Nursing courses. 

All students selected for admission to the Graduate Nursing Program must also meet clinical agency requirements, be able to perform essential functions, maintain unencumbered RN licensure and be capable of fulfilling clinical practice requirements.

Drug screening and criminal background check information regarding the College of Nursing and Health Profession’s Drug Screening and Criminal Background policies are found in the College of Nursing and Health Professions Handbook.

Submission and verification of all required documents is through the University's preferred third party agency. Students are responsible for updating all required documents through the program.

Holding an unencumbered RN license is a prerequisite for being admitted to and remaining in this nursing program. An RN license will not be considered by this program to be unencumbered if action has been taken or is being proposed against the license by any agency of government, or if the RN has entered into or is currently discussing an agreement with any agency of government concerning the license or if any restrictions have been imposed by an agency of government on an RN’s ability to practice the nursing profession or if any restrictions are being proposed by an agency of government. An applicant or student is required to immediately advise the Program Chair in writing if their RN license has been encumbered or if any agency of government is proposing to encumber an RN’s license.

After review by the Program Chair of any action involving the encumbrance (or proposed encumbrance) of a license, the student may not be allowed to participate in clinical experiences of the program. Failure to report an encumbered RN license to the Program Chair, as required above, may result in dismissal from the program, particularly where the encumbrance prevents the student from performing any part of the clinical experience.

Students are required to maintain an unencumbered RN license while enrolled and completing the graduate nursing courses. An unencumbered nursing license is defined by this program as a license with no suspension or probation or any pending action against the RN license in any state or U.S. territory of practice. In the event action is taken on a student’s nursing license, it is the student’s responsibility to report this to the Program Chair immediately for further direction. Students must hold an unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all states where they will be involved in a clinical setting.

Students who do not meet admission requirements or expected academic skill proficiencies may be conditionally admitted to the Graduate Nursing program. Refer to the USI Graduate Bulletin for specific academic requirements related to conditional admission status. Expectations for full admittance to the Graduate Nursing program will be individually specified. Students with a conditional admittance will work closely with faculty and the graduate advisor to maximize success.

Please click the Graduate Bulletin link on the School of Graduate Studies webpage.

Program Specific Admission Criteria

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a nationally and regionally accredited college/university.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better).
• Unencumbered RN license**
• Demonstration of a TOEFL score in accordance with University standards. Learn more .
• Successful completion of the application process to the School of Graduate Studies.

*One year full time or 2,000 hours of clinical practice as a registered nurse within the last five years is strongly recommended.

**The program is limited to working with certain states in the U.S. only. Moving to state not recognized by the Graduate Nursing program will lead to inability to continue in coursework. The exception to this is active military status. 

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a nationally and regionally accredited college/university.

Post MSN APRN Certificate Gap Analysis  

A Gap Analysis will be completed for every student applying to the Post MSN APRN certificate. No clinical hours will be credited for the Post MSN APRN Certificate program.  

Transfer credits from graduate-level pharmacy, pathophysiology and advanced health assessment courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for acceptance provided the course were completed within the last five years or the applicant can validate current advanced clinical practice. For transfer of graduate-level pharmacology credits, applicants must exhibit current active prescriptive authority in their respective state of practice.  

The Graduate Admission/Progression Committee will assess all inquiries and determine acceptance of transfer credits for individuals actively engaged in advanced clinical practice.  

Evaluation of transfer credits will be conducted on a case-by-case basis; involving a thorough review that includes verification of current practice hours and the applicant’s professional role.  

Prospective students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria may appeal to the Graduate Admission/Progression Committee for alternate considerations, ensuring equitable consideration of circumstances and qualifications. Transfer credit opportunities are applicable only to three separate three-credit hours courses in pharmacology, pathophysiology and advanced health assessment.  

• Satisfactory completion of a graduate course in research with a grade of B or better.
• Graduate Nursing Handbook
• Nursing & Health Professions Handbook