Job Description

The Graduate Mental Health / General Nursing Program (GMH/GNP) is a combination of Mental Health Nursing in South West Healthcare's (SWH) Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit and General Acute Nursing within the South West Healthcare.  Applications for 2026 are now open!

About our 2026 GMH/GNP

SWH believe in providing a highly supportive environment for all Graduate Nurses that encourages professional development and excellence in nursing care.  Our aim is to provide structured clinical support during the transition from student to Registered Nurse, whilst encouraging self-directed learning. 

This program commencing from February 2026 offers the opportunity for participants to consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge by developing skills in a variety of settings. Participants have the option to work either full or part time hours with a minimum 64 hours per fortnight. This 12-month program provides the option for permanent, ongoing employment subject to the successful completion of the program.

This program incorporates clinical experience, theoretical study days and online competency based training with a 6-month rotation in the Adult Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit and a 6 month rotation in Acute General Nursing. This 12-month program provides the option for permanent, ongoing employment subject to the successful completion of the Graduate Nurse Program. Future opportunities also exist to apply for specialised programs that provide pathways to post graduate study.

All our GMH/GNP positions are subject to the state-wide Computer Matching process, conducted by the Post Graduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV). All public health Graduate Nurse Positions are allocated in Victoria through this Computer Matching Service. To be eligible for our GNP you must meet the PMCV eligibility criteria as per the PMCV Candidate handbook. Graduates of interstate or New Zealand Universities still apply for places via PMCV. Refer to PMCV guidelines and website for full details at https://gnmp.pmcv.com.au/

What we offer

You will enjoy benefits such as:

• Excellent salary packaging options including meals & entertainment, novated leasing and additional superannuation contributions;
• Internal and external professional development opportunities;
• Ongoing clinical supervision;
• A range of internal development opportunities focusing on personal development such as resilience and mentoring workshops and comprehensive leadership programs;
• Excellent terms and conditions of employment.

Who we are

As an organisation SWH prides themselves on their values; Care, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and Leadership and their overall dedication to the local community.

SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.

SWH is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region, and provides a comprehensive range of acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged services.

With a population of 39,000 and a catchment of 100,000 Warrnambool is the regional centre to Victoria's Great South Coast.

To learn about the vibrant town and region please visit: http://www.warrnambool.com/

How to apply

All applicants must apply through both PMCV and South West Healthcare's website, following the links to Careers and Volunteers and must include:

1. Career Intentions Statement, max 350 words. For additional details, please visit our South West Healthcare Careers page.
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum three pages), including two clinical referees and an employer referee if you have one.
3. Copy of your academic transcript to date (including grading key)
4. Copy of three most recent clinical placement assessments (including one mental health placement assessment).
5. Copy of passport styled photograph of applicant

Employment Terms and Conditions will be in line with the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement 2024-2028 and the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024, with the appropriate discipline classification Registered Nurse Grade 2 Year 1 (Graduate Nurse) and Registered Psychiatric Nurse Grade 2 Year 1.

The successful applicant will be required to be eligible for and undergo the following:

• Police Record Check
• Employee Working with Children's Check
• Current Immunisation status

A position description can be found at our website under Careers.

Personal interviews will be conducted with shortlisted applicants commencing Tuesday 29 July 2025 in Warrnambool.

Applications will close on Wednesday 2 July 2025 at 5pm.

Note: If you experience any difficulties with this website, please email: humanresources@swh.net.au