South West Healthcare's Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are excited to announce that applications for our Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program (MHGNP) for 2026 are now open!

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Division offer a range of well supported programs to assist you in your transition to a Graduate nurse. In 2026 the following programs are available:

• 12 months based in the Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit (MHAIU)
• 12 month Integrated Mental Health Program (Rotations in Community setting and the MHAIU)
• Mental Health Acute Inpatient Unit & a rotation with a non-government organisation

About our 2026 GMHNP

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all Graduate Nurses that promotes skill development and excellence in nursing care. You will receive the education and training necessary to support your development in this rewarding profession, while working with a dedicated team of mental health professionals. On completion of our MHGNP, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to take on the challenges of mental health nursing with confidence and expertise.

This 53-week program commencing from February 2026 offers the opportunity for you to consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge by developing skills in a variety of settings. All Graduate Nurses will be employed on a part time basis (64 hours per fortnight) to support work/life balance. Following the completion of your Graduate year there is the opportunity to continue into your Post Graduate year. At this time, Post graduate studies are encouraged and supported to ensure the ongoing specialisation in the area of mental health.

The GMHNP allows graduates to consolidate their undergraduate learning and build effective evidence-based Mental Health nursing practice within a bio-psychosocial framework. Graduate Nurses will gain experience in a recovery based mental health framework where all staff work collaboratively to assist you to practice to your full potential.

All our GMHNP positions are allocated via the Post Graduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV). All public health Graduate Nurse Positions are allocated in Victoria through the PMCV process. To be eligible for our GMHNP you must have a current residential address within Victoria. 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 by following the links to Careers and Volunteers and must include:

1. One page Career Intentions Statement addressed to Catherine O'Keeffe (Psychiatric Nurse Consultant - Mental Health Services) indicating why you would like to undertake a Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program at South West Healthcare
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume (maximum three pages), including one clinical placement referee and one non-clinical employment referee
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 Victorian Public Mental Health Services Enterprise

Agreement 2020-2024, with the classification 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 Monday 21 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: [email protected]