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Undergraduate Program
To become a Registered Nurse you need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at university. Entry is by completing the High School Certificate or equivalent. Entry is also available for mature age people who have not completed the High School Certificate. For entry please contact Charles Darwin University.
To become an Enrolled Nurse you need to complete a 12 month Certificate IV Community Service and Health (Enrolled Nurse) program at a TAFE College or participating university. Completion of Year 12 or equivalent is necessary for admission to this course. Mature age entry is also available. For entry contact Charles Darwin University.
Undergraduate scholarship funding throught the Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS) is awarded in September each year for the following year. Contact Ms Heather Traeger, Workforce Strategy and Clinical Learning Branch on 08 8922 7280 for more information.
Further information can be gained from the Nursing Information Line on 1800 000 648 or email nursinginfo.ths@nt.gov.au
Graduate Nurse Program (GNP) Registered Nurse
Program Structure
- Placements to three clinical areas which, wherever possible, will include a medical area, surgical area and specialty area such as Intensive Care, Operating Theatres, Special Care Nursery, Renal Dialysis, Mental Health Services. Alice Springs Hospital and Katherine Hospital offer a remote placement.
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All program participants will commence as a
- Full-time employee at Alice Springs Hospital.
- Part-time (0.84) at the Royal Darwin Hospital (there is provision for full time employment).
- Full-time employee at the Katherine Hospital.
- All new employees participate in a comprehensive orientation and induction program, including Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training.
- There are a number of study days covering the following topics: physical assessment,
mental health, paediatric, chronic diseases and preceptorship.
- The program is structured to provide support, guidance and education to facilitate your learning experience.
- Support personnel include:
- On-site clinical nurse educators
- Additional clinical nurse educators in specialty areas and some general wards
- Preceptors in each are
There is a wide range of in-service and education programs offered by both internal and external providers as well as a range of short courses and self-directed learning packages. On satisfactory completion of the placements and program components, participants will be presented with a certificate and are encouraged to seek permanent employment with the Department Health & Community Services (DHCS). DHCS is currently identifying Clinical Career Pathways for nurses in the Northern Territory, and participants completing the GNP are well placed to take full advantage of these exciting new opportunities.
GNP placements are available in Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine with the opportunity to be placed in a variety of other towns including Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.
The applicant must possess formal Registered Nursing qualifications and be eligible for registration as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of the Northern Territory. Applicants must also have less than six months practice as a Registered Nurse.
To fast track your career and experience the clinical diversity and ground breaking ways of working in the Territory, all you need to do is complete an application form then return it, along with the supporting documents listed below, to:
NT Nursing Recruitment Officer / Graduate Nurse Program 2008
PO Box 721
Alice Springs NT 0871
or
secure fax 08 89 515 265.
Your application needs to be supported by:
- Current CV
- Birth certificate (Certified)
- Copies of your most recent appraisal forms
- Copies of Semester 1 Academic transcripts
- Police clearance
-
Record of Immunisation. A pre-employment Mantoux test is compulsory for staff employed in the Northern Territory. Applicants for all areas can download the immunisation form here. N.B * Royal Darwin Hospital will offer a TB screening assessment on arrival as part of the OH&S.
- Covering letter as to why you are choosing the Territory for your new graduate placement
Incomplete applications will not progress past this office and will be returned to you.
The following documents are also necessary to support your application and must be forwarded as soon as they become available to you. Certified photocopies please.
- Home state registration
- University certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Clinical placements in your final year
Nurses need to be licensed to practice in the Territory. Your nursing registration can be obtained through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of the Northern Territory. Please contact the Board on:
The Registrar
GPO Box 4221
DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 08 89 99 41 57
E-Mail: healthprofessions.ths@nt.gov.au
Graduate Nurse Program (GNP) Enrolled Nurse
Program Structure
- Alice Springs and Royal Darwin Hospital will offer a 12-month program, with placements in three clinical areas, which, wherever possible, will include a medical and a surgical area. Some sites may offer a specialty area such as Special Care Nursery or Mental Health Services. Katherine Hospital will offer a 6-month program with two clinical placements.
- All program participants will commence as a
- Full-time employee at Alice Springs Hospital.
- Part-time (0.84) at the Royal Darwin Hospital (there is provision for full time employment).
- Full-time employee at the Katherine Hospital.
- All new employees participate in a comprehensive orientation and induction program, including Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training.
- There are a number of study days covering the following topics: mental health, paediatric and chronic diseases.
- The program is structured to provide support, guidance and education to facilitate your learning experience.
- Support personnel include:
- On-site clinical nurse educators
- Additional clinical nurse educators in specialty areas and some general wards
- Preceptors in each area
There is a wide range of in-service and education programs offered by both internal and external providers as well as a range of short courses and self-directed learning packages. On satisfactory completion of the placements and program components, participants will be presented with a certificate and are encouraged to seek permanent employment with the Department Health & Community Services (DHCS). DHCS is currently identifying Clinical Career Pathways for nurses in the Northern Territory, and participants completing the GNP are well placed to take full advantage of these exciting new opportunities.
GNP placements are available in Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine.
The applicant must possess formal Enrolled Nursing qualifications and be eligible for registration as an Enrolled nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of the Northern Territory. Applicants must also have less than six months practice as a Enrolled Nurse.
To fast track your career and experience the clinical diversity and ground breaking ways of working in the Territory, all you need to do is complete an application form then return it, along with the supporting documents listed below, to:
NT Nursing Recruitment Officer / Graduate Nurse Program 2008
PO Box 721
Alice Springs NT 0871 or secure fax 08 89 515 265.
Your application needs to be supported by
- Current CV + Selection Criteria
- Birth certificate (Certified)
- Copies of Semester 1 appraisal forms
- Copies of Semester 1 Academic transcripts
- Police clearance
-
Record of Immunisation. A pre-employment Mantoux test is compulsory for staff employed in the Northern Territory. Applicants for all areas can download the immunisation form here. N.B * Royal Darwin Hospital will offer a TB screening assessment on arrival as part of the OH&S.
- Covering letter as to why you are choosing the Territory for your new graduate placement
Incomplete applications will not progress past this office and will be returned to you.
The following documents are also necessary to support your application and must be forwarded as soon as they become available to you. Certified photocopies please.
- Home state registration
- University certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Clinical placements in your final year
Nurses need to be licensed to practice in the Territory. Your nursing registration can be obtained through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of the Northern Territory. Please contact the Board on:
The Registrar
GPO Box 4221
DARWIN NT 0801
Phone: 08 89 99 41 57
E-Mail: healthprofessions.ths@nt.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduate Nurse Program 2008 - Application will be avaliable commencing 7th July 2007. You can also phone us on 1800 000 648 to request an Application for the Graduate Nurse Program
Frequently Asked Questions about the Department of Health and Community Services Graduate Nurse Program for Registered Nurses
Why do I need to complete a Graduate Nurse Program?
Technically you do not need to complete a Graduate Nurse Program. When you have completed your undergraduate degree you should be eligible for full registration as a nurse. When you are registered you can work anywhere in Australia.
What nurses and employers have found however is that the transition from being a student to a registered nurse can be a traumatic one, therefore completing a Graduate Nurse Program enables the new nurse to make this a smoother transition in a supported environment. Also some hospitals and health services will only employ graduate nurses as part of a Graduate Nurse Program.
When can I apply for a place in the Graduate Nurse Program?
Advertisements for the Graduate Nurse Programs will be placed in the main Northern Territory papers on 7 th July 2007. Information will also be on the website and mailed to all Australian Universities that offer undergraduate nursing programs. You can also phone us on 1800 000 648 to request an Application for the Graduate Nurse Programme.
The closing date for applications will be 10 th August. Sorry, but we are unable to accept late or incomplete applications.
What Department of Health and Community Services hospitals participate in the Graduate Nurse Program?
All five Department of Health and Community Services participate in the Graduate Nurse Program. The three larger hospitals in Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin offer the program and you can complete the whole program at one of those hospitals.
Alternatively you may wish to opt to complete one of your clinical placements at either the Tennant Creek Hospital or the Gove District Hospital. Both of these hospitals are very remote and can offer a great insight into remote nursing practice. You will have the opportunity to accept a remote placement on the Application for Employment GNP form.
I have been registered for a few months and have already been working as a registered nurse. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes you can as long as you have less than six (6) months experience as a registered nurse.
I know you get many more applications for the Graduate Nurse Program than there are places available. How do you select the people to complete the Graduate Nurse Program?
Every year there are many more applications than there are places available. When trying to determine those who will be offered a place in the Graduate Nurse Program the Nursing Managers and the Clinical Nurse Educators will:
- Consider the information you provided on the application form
- The reasons you have given as to why you wish to complete the Graduate Nurse Program in the Northern Territory
- Your responses addressing the selection criteria
- Your academic transcript
- The evaluations provided for all your third year clinical placements
- Your referee reports; and where indicated
- Your responses provided at interview.
How and when will I be notified if I have been accepted into the Graduate Nurse Program?
We will try and notify you in late September. We will let you know in writing.
I started a Graduate Nurse Program a few years ago but I did not finish it. Can I apply for the Department of Health and Community Services Graduate Nurse Program?
Yes you can as long as your total nursing experience as a registered nurse is less than six (6) months.
I hear that you give preference to Northern Territorians. Is that true?
No. A merit based selection process is applied.
Do I have to complete a Graduate Nurse Program if I want to be employed as a registered nurse?
No you do not. However by completing a Graduate Nurse Program you will better understand the role and responsibilities of your new status as a registered nurse and practice what you have learned at university in a safe and supportive environment. You will be issued Certificate of Completion at the end of your Graduate year.
I worked as an enrolled nurse for many years and then completed my nursing degree. Do I need to complete a Graduate Nurse Program?
New graduate who have had previous nursing experience may feel that they do not need a 12 month Graduate Nurse Program because they are familiar with nursing and the health care system. While previous experience and familiarisation are useful, the difference is that being a registered nurse is a new nursing role and set of responsibilities that you have not experience before. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that your former nursing experience will adequately equip you for the workplace. Also keep in mind that many, but not all employers, prefer their registered nurses to have completed a Graduate Nurse Program.
How long is the program?
It is a 12-month program for Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses at Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital. Enrolled Nurses are asked to complete a 6-month program at Katherine Hospital. Full time and Part time employment is offered.
Do I have to do any formal study as part of the Graduate Nurse Program?
No. However you will be encouraged to participate in continuing professional development opportunities. There are a number of Clinical Learning Workbooks that you can complete at your own pace and study days that you can attend.
What sort of clinical placements can I undertake during the Graduate Nurse Program?
There are a large range of clinical placements that you can undertake. As well as general medical, general surgical and general paediatric placements you can also complete specialist placements in a variety of areas (depending upon the hospital you choose). For example:
• Hospice
• Rehabilitation
• Operating Theatre |
• Renal
• Isolation paediatrics
• Critical Care (ICU/CCU) |
• Emergency Department
• Mental Health
• Remote hospitals |
Do I get to choose the clinical placements that I want?
Yes and no. On the application form you are asked to provide information about the clinical placement that you would prefer and to also nominate the clinical placements that you definitely do not want.
Using this information we attempt to provide all the graduates with a range of clinical placements that suit their interests.
What if I do not like the clinical placement that I have been allocated? Can I request a change?
It is possible to request a change of a clinical placement however this will only be done in extreme cases as changing your clinical placements will have a flow on effect to all the graduates who start in the Graduate Nurse Program at the same time as you. There are only limited places available in the clinical areas.
If you are extremely unhappy with your clinical placements you need to discuss this in the first instance with the Graduate Nurse Program Clinical Nurse Educators.
To ensure that you get the best possible mix of clinical placements you need to make sure that you provide us with sufficient information on your application form and the covering letter so that we can arrange the clinical placements accordingly.
Can I complete a remote placement as one of my clinical placements?
Remote placements are offered at Alice Springs Hospital and Katherine Hospital only. Preference for remote placements will be given to those graduates who have:
- completed a rural or remote clinical placement as an undergraduate and
- a genuine interest in remote area nursing and
- demonstrated a commitment in Indigenous health care; or
- current enrolment in a tertiary level rural /remote/indigenous nursing practice program
I do not live in the Northern Territory and moving there for the Graduate Nurse Program will be very expensive. Is there any funding available to assist me to move to the Northern Territory?
Yes, Alice Springs Hospital and Katherine Hospital offer relocation support.
Is it likely that I will be offered continuing employment with the Department of Health and Community Services when I complete the Graduate Nurse Program?
This is always a possibility and will depend upon your clinical and professional performance during the Graduate Nurse Program and if there are any staffing vacancies when you complete the program.
What happens if I can't complete the 12 month Graduate Nurse Program?
None of us can foresee what will happen in the future. There may be a number of reasons why you cannot complete the program. If you need to take a break for several months for family reasons, personal reasons or health reasons we may be able to keep a place for you. This will mean that you can rejoin the Graduate Nurse Program when you are able.
You may also find that you do not want to finish the program or stay at the hospital. If this happens we can provide you will a statement that indicates when you started the Graduate Nurse Program and when you ceased the program.
I do not want to be a generalist registered nurse, I want to specialise. Can I do this as part of my Graduate Nurse Program?
The Department of Health and Community Services Graduate Nurse Program is a generalist program. If you have identified a particular clinical specialty that you wish to work in you can request that you complete a clinical placement in that specialty. However we cannot guarantee that we can offer that particular clinical placement.
Remember also that it can be useful to take advantage of the opportunity to experience other clinical areas whilst becoming familiar with your new role as a registered nurse and before committing to one specialty area.
What salary and holidays will I be entitled to when I am completing the Graduate Nurse Program?
You will be paid as a Nurse 2 with a starting salary is $42,766 plus penalty rates for shift work. You will accrue seven weeks holiday leave during the 12 months Graduate Nurse Program. We encourage you to take three – four weeks holidays during the year, but remember all requests the Nursing Unit Manager must approve holiday leave.
Enrolled Nurses will be paid as a Nurse 1 with a starting salary of $37,832 plus penalty rates for shift work. For a six-month programme, you can accrue up to three weeks annual leave. The Nursing Unit Manager must approve all requests for leave.
Graduate Midwifery Nurse Program
The aim of this program is to facilitate the transition from the role of student to that of Registered Midwife, enabling the individual to function as a safe and competent practitioner in the clinical arena, whilst also providing the opportunity for continuing professional development and personal growth.
The graduate program consists of three x four month rotations with experienced preceptors in each area to provide support. A total of 13 study days are allocated throughout the year.
For details and starting dates please contact the hospital of your choice or phone 1800 000 648 or email on nursinginfo.ths@nt.gov.au for general information.
Remote Orientation Program
Community Health Services Remote (CHSR) offers a unique opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, delivering primary health care to remote populations in Central Australia.
CHSR offers several recruitment pathways, the main ones being:
1. |
As part of the 'Partnership in Practice' scheme with Alice Springs Hospital, you will receive a comprehensive orientation for remote practice and then be employed in Alice Springs Hospital until required as a reliever for Remote Services, alternating employment between the two.
This option is suitable for experienced registered nurses who may wish to develop their skills in Aboriginal health care, prior to applying for a full time position, or who may wish to continue in the partnership scheme indefinitely. |
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| 2. |
Directly into Remote positions as advertised.
This option may suit a registered nurse, with previous Aboriginal or remote health experience, who wishes to go straight into RAN employment. |
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive pre-employment package called "Preparing for Practice", as well as a five week orientation to remote area nursing in Central Australia.
The bulk of recruitment is conducted in biannual orientation programs, held in late January and early July.
For more information about Remote Area Nursing click the following links pdf.
Opportunities for Aboriginal People
DHCS provides a wide range of health and community services to people and communities in a diverse and unique environment. Aboriginal people comprise 27% of the Territory population of which about 66% live in relatively small and scattered remote communities and do not speak English as a first language. The health problems of Aboriginal people are significantly greater than the rest of the Territory population and they require and utilise more health service resources.
The Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy (AECDS) aims to increase the number of Aboriginal people employed by DHCS across all areas and levels of service and to provide Career Development opportunities for new and current Aboriginal staff.
DHCS needs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses. To become a nurse, you need to have a desire to care for people and be prepared to study. To encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to take up nursing as a career, universities and the DHCS are offering education and employment opportunities to make the pathway into nursing easier.
If you need more information, contact the Aboriginal Employment Career Development Officer's in Darwin on 08 8922 7143 or in Alice Springs on 08 8951 6943. Alternatively you can email aboriginalworkforcedevelopment@nt.gov.au
Most universities offer alternative admission programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The entry programs are all offered free of charge to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and students enrolled in an approved nursing course are eligible for ABSTUDY financial assistance.
Other Useful Websites
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