Refresher Program - Registered Nurses & Registered Midwives (Specialist Areas)
Refresher Program – Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (Specialist Areas)
Are you a Registered Nurse who is interested in working in Custodial Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health or the Emergency Department (with a mental health focus) or ICU or a Registered Midwife looking to join our Women’s and Children’s Services?
Your professionalism and patient focused care will be instrumental in making a difference to the patients and families within our direct catchment area – Western Suburbs of Melbourne.
About the Role
Western Health has an excellent reputation for providing robust educational programs We achieve this by providing a multi-layered support structure from Clinical Educators through to Preceptors. We offer an extensive orientation at the commencement of the program, study days during the program, bedside education, weekly education sessions and fortnightly debrief sessions.
This is an 8-week Refresher Program funded by a Department of Health Scholarship. You may be offered ongoing permanent employment with Nurse Pool on successful completion of the program. Further information by following this link:
Refresher pathway for nurses and midwives | health.vic.gov.au
The contracted hours for the 8-week program are 32hrs per week supernumerary commencing on March 16, 2026. Post successful completion of the program, there is the opportunity for ongoing employment.
To be eligible for the scholarship component, participants in funded refresher programs must:
- Be a currently registered nurse or midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
- Have not previously received a department scholarship to complete a nursing and midwifery refresher program
- Agree to complete the course and seek employment in the targeted clinical area of practice (for which the scholarship was awarded) in the Victorian public health sector following completion of the refresher program.
To be successful in this role, you must:
- Commit to ongoing permanent employment in Nurse Pool for 3 to 4 days per week on a rotating roster
- Be willing to undertake an 8-week learning program 4 days per week
- Have no acute practice experience for one year
- Have a minimum of one year’s full-time or equivalent experience working as a nurse
- Hold current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse
- Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent resident, or Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
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 passionate about innovation and community wellbeing, 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: at 11:59pm on 13 January 2026
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Louise Nicol at LOUISE.NICOL@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.