2026 Mental Health Registered Nurse Graduate Program
2026 Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program
- Location: Multiple Western Health campuses
- Employment Type: Part-Time
- Salary: Registered Psychiatric Nurse - Grade 2, Year 1 (NP11)
About the role
Join Western Health for an unparalleled start to your nursing career!
The Western Health Mental Health & Wellbeing Service provide person-centred, recovery-oriented care, treatment and support through our multi-disciplinary workforce of skilled and dynamic clinicians and Lived and Living Experience (LLE) consumer and carer experts. We provide caring and high-quality specialist community and hospital-based mental health services for adults and older adults who are experiencing or are at risk of developing a serious mental illness.
Our support structure includes Clinical Educators and Preceptors dedicated to your success. You will benefit from an intensive orientation at the start of the program and continued learning with additional graduate study days throughout the year and frequent in-service and reflective sessions tailored specifically for graduates. Our program offers a specialist education pathway to support nurses’ transition in developing a career in mental health nursing.
Each Mental Health Graduate Nurse will complete two clinical rotations within specialist mental health settings. We empower our graduates to prioritise their preferences, allowing a tailored program to suit individual learning and career development goals.
Join us at Western Health and embark on a journey of growth, learning, and professional fulfillment. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team.
Key responsibilities
- Assess and document clinical, non clinical and social needs, identifying at risk patients implementing risk minimisation strategies
- Recognise and respond to changes in patient conditions, escalate care when necessary and document variations accordingly
- Maintain accurate, legible and legally compliant documentation per Western Health policies
- Communicate patient status effectively during handovers
- Advocate for patients and families with support
- Deliver safe, high quality evidence based care
Essential Criteria
Completed a Nursing bachelor’s degree in the academic year January 2025 to June 2026.
Selection Criteria
- Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse at least two weeks prior to the program commencement date
- Awareness of key mental health nursing practices
- Ability to develop skills in risk assessment, mental state assessment and care planning
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) and other relevant legislation
- Commitment to excellence in mental health nursing practice and continuing professional development
- Understanding of the professional, ethical, legal responsibilities of registered nurses
- Understanding of the importance of compassionate mental health nursing care which focuses on the best possible consumer outcomes
- Well-developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
Please note, all successful applicants for this position will be required to complete a one-year postgraduate program in Mental Health upon completion of this 12-month program.
To Apply
Applicants are asked to complete a three-step process:
Step 1: Apply to PMCV (gnmp.pmcv.com.au) using the Computer Match system, listing Western Health amongst your preferences.
Step 2: Apply to Western Health using the online process. Each application must include:
- PMCV Number assigned through gnmp.pmcv.com.au
- Concise curriculum vitae including a table of all undergraduate clinical placements and other work experience
- Nominate TWO clinical referees. PMCV will be collecting the references
- A certified transcript of all results (key to results to be included)
- Two recent summative clinical appraisals, including cover pages—from a recent adult acute placements; however, if no third-year adult acute placement was completed, one appraisal may be from a second-year adult acute placement and the other from any clinical placement
For further information about clinical appraisal criteria visit the Western Health Graduate Nurse Program webpage and refer to 'Frequently Asked Questions'/Clinical Placements & Appraisals.
Step 3: PMCV one-way interviews (refer to PMCV website)
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges. We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education
- Mentorship and career support
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re passionate about providing Best Care to our patients and working as a valued member of the team, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 2 July 2025
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact: Linda Mora via Linda.Mora@wh.org.au.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.
Western Health