In accordance with the Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement 2024 - 2028 (the EBA), South West Healthcare (SWH) will consider applications from those Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) wishing to be considered for advancement to RPN 2 Advanced or RPN 2 Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The classification of RPN 2 Advanced or RPN 2 PCNS is only available to an RPN 2 who is able to demonstrate a level of clinical practice that is of a higher level of skill than would otherwise be expected of other RPN 2 positions but less than RPN 3.

RPN 2 Advanced

The RPN 2 Advanced is a personal classification and an RPN 2 can apply for this classification where the RPN 2:

1. Is working to units' completion of a postgraduate course in Mental Health Nursing and has a minimum of two years Mental Health Nursing experience at the RPN 2 level; or
2. Has completed a minimum of four years' experience in Mental Health Nursing at the RPN 2 level.

RPN 2 Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS)

The RPN 2 PCNS is a personal classification and an RPN 2 can apply for this classification where the RPN 2 has:

(a)    successfully completed a specific course of training in Nursing leading to registration by the NMBA, or

(b)   have completed a post graduate course specific to Mental Health Nursing; and

(c)    has completed a minimum of 12 months experience in Psychiatric Nursing at the RPN 2 level.

Whilst applicants would generally be expected to have two years experience at the RPN 2 level to adequately meet the skill criteria an RPN 2 may apply for the PCNS classification after completion of 12 months experience.

In addition to either of the above, the RPN must show continuous commitment to the development of the RPN's area of practice; their own development and the mental health facility in which they are employed.  

Further information is available from Catherine O'Keeffe, Nurse Unit Manager - Mental Health Acute Inpatient Services on 03 5563 1232 or email cokeeffe@swh.net.au   

Further details can be found on the People Hub Me>Careers at SWH

How to apply:

Should you wish to apply from home type the following in your browser: Click Here

Applications from current South West Healthcare employees only are to be submitted online via our People Hub or see above link and need to include: an application form, application letter, full personal particulars, qualifications and experience; together with the names of two (2) referees by Sunday 14 June 2026.

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

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.