2027 Combined Mental Health Registered Nurse Graduate Program

• Location: Multiple Western Health Sites
• Employment Type: Ongoing, Part Time (64 hours/fortnight)
• Salary: RN/RPN Grade 2 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging 

About the role:

Nurses in the Combined Graduate Program will complete two six-month clinical rotations: one in acute mental health and one in a general health setting. This program offers a strong foundation in both mental health and acute care, supporting skill development and clinical confidence across diverse healthcare environments.

You will benefit from a comprehensive induction at the start of each rotation and a graduate study program to support your learning, during both rotations, specific to mental and acute health. Nurses will be supported in the clinical area by specialised Clinical Educators and Preceptors dedicated to your success.     

Following the Combined Graduate Program, nurses can choose to continue in a mental health nursing post-graduate program or choose an acute health Grad Plus pathway.    

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 during the academic period (January 2026 to June 2027).

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.  Please note, there is no option in PMCV for a combined mental health program. You will need to preference the Western Health Mental Health Program or the Western Health Graduate Nurse Program.

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 placement; 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.

Please note: A cover letter is not required as part of your application. Please disregard the cover letter upload box that appears on the ‘My Documents’ page.  We will only be accepting applications with a CV/Resume; Academic Transcript; Clinical Appraisal/s.

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)

Click here for the Position Description

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.

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 ready to embark on a journey of growth, learning and professional fulfilment, 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 1 July 2026.

Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact
Name: Jo Stubbs
Phone: 0466 504 560
Email: Jo.Stubbs@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 is committed to the psychosocial safety of all applicants and employees.

Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.

Western Health