Graduate programs applicant information

Our graduate programs are designed with your career goals in mind, offering extensive ward rotations and opportunities for regular graduate-specific education sessions.

At Mercy Health we offer you a supportive environment with opportunities to pursue long-term career goals.

We welcome applicants who will complete their Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, combined Bachelor Nursing/Midwifery degree or Post-Graduate Diploma of Midwifery in the academic year of 2022.

Intake will be January and February 2023.

We welcome applications from candidates who have undertaken prerequisite studies at any Australian university. You do not need to have completed a clinical placement with us to apply.

How to apply

Applicants must register with the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria Computer Matching Service and rank Mercy Health in their preferences. For further information visit: pmcv.com.au

Applications will open on 6 June 2022 and close on 8 July 2022. Applicants will be required to apply via the Mercy Health careers website and upload supporting documents.

Documents that will be required will include;

• Letter of application addressing the key selection criteria in 600 words or less (outlined on the career website)
• Two page curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience and clinical rotations
• Two clinical referees including their professional title, place of work and both email and phone contact details
• Certified copy of academic transcripts to date (including ‘key to results’)
• Two recent summative clinical appraisals (must be certified)

Please note:

• If you wish to apply for more than one graduate program then you will need to submit a separate application to each individual advert.
• Successful applicants are required to provide a current Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Eligibility for the graduate program

The Registered Nurse/Midwife Graduate Program is offered to graduates who have:

• completed a Bachelor of Nursing Program or equivalent no earlier than 1 June 2022
• completed a combined Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery no earlier than 1 June 2022
• completed a Bachelor of Midwifery no earlier than 1 June 2022
• completed a Postgraduate Diploma no earlier than 1 June 2022

Applications open Monday 6 June 2022

Applications for the 2023 program will close on Friday 8 July 2022 (the same date that computer match applications close).

Online application

Applicants will be required to apply via the Mercy Health careers website and upload supporting documents

What to expect

Our graduate program offers you the opportunity to transition from student to registered nurse/midwife.  Mercy Health is committed to developing you in your new role, ensuring that your graduate year is an exciting and rewarding experience. Our program has been designed to offer you ward rotations that will assist you in gaining comprehensive clinical knowledge and experience.

At Mercy Health we want to ensure you maintain a great work-life balance, at the same time supporting your clinical growth and development. To do this, we offer our graduate program on a part-time basis of 64 hours per fortnight (0.8EFT).

Your fully-supported graduate year will prepare you for your nursing/midwifery career.

Rotations

Graduate Nurse Program

• We offer two six-month rotations, which allow you to consolidate clinical skills, enhance your decision making and improve critical thinking.
• Graduate nurses at Werribee Mercy Hospital are offered rotations in emergency, paediatrics, surgical, day procedure unit, perioperative, special care nursery, medical, palliative care and geriatric evaluation management (GEM).
• Graduate nurses at Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg are offered rotations in gynaecology and oncology, perioperative and special care nursery.

Graduate Midwife Program

• We offer graduate midwives a mix of rotations to allow you to consolidate your skills and enhance your practice and decision-making, and improve critical thinking.
• Graduate midwives at Werribee Mercy Hospital are offered rotations in birth suite, postnatal ward and special care nursery.
• Graduate midwives at Mercy Hospital for Women are offered rotations in birth suite, postnatal and antenatal units, special care nursery, emergency, gynaecological and oncology unit.

If you have a specific ward or specialty area you would like to work in, graduates are encouraged to list their preference in their cover letter. We endeavour to match you with your request.

How we support you

Mercy Health Graduate Programs offer you the opportunity to build on your knowledge in a supportive environment guided by experienced nursing and midwifery education teams.

Our Graduate Program Lead is here to support you on your graduate journey and is responsible for all graduate recruitment and selection into the program.

Our education team is made up of experienced clinical nurse educators, clinical midwife educators, clinical support nurses and clinical support midwifes. The education teams are allocated to all units and are on hand to provide support during your graduate program.

Prior to placement

Prior to commencement of your graduate program, you will receive hospital packages preparing for you for your first rotation.

During placement

During your rotations, you will be supported by a buddy or preceptor who will welcome you into our organisation and support your transition to practice. You will work with your mentor/preceptor during your supernumerary time. They will provide orientation and support in your new role.

Graduate education runs on a regular basis ensuring you are up to date with your practice. Debrief sessions are also run on a regular basis and are considered a confidential safe graduate space.

After placement

Mercy Health has excellent retention of staff following completion of the graduate program. There are a wide range of employment opportunities including postgraduate and Transition to Practice programs in a variety of specialty areas.

Employee Assistance Program

Mercy Health offers the services of Converge International, which is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a free and confidential service available 24/7 for all staff. EAP can be accessed not only during challenging times but it can also provide a wide range of additional resources to support your health and wellbeing.

Contacts