Graduate Nurse Program

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Nursing at the Eye & Ear brochure

Aim of Graduate Nurse Program

The aim of our Graduate Nurse Program is a mutual partnership in assisting you to develop into a competent Division 1 Registered Nurse.

Length of Course

The program is full time for 52 weeks including 5 weeks annual leave.

Clinical Rotations

The following areas are used for clinical placement for all graduates:

• Wards (ophthalmology & ENT beds)
• Perioperative Clinical Areas
• Emergency Department
• Outpatient Departments

Clinical Support

Orientation: Upon commencing employment at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital, you will attend a comprehensive Orientation Program, which includes a week long Nursing Program followed by a General Hospital Orientation.

Supernumerary: In each clinical area you will be supernumerary for a specific period based on both your needs and those of the clinical area.

Clinical Support: The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital has a long history of supporting new employees. Upon beginning in the clinical areas you will be ‘buddied’ up with a nurse familiar with your learning needs. In addition to the Nurse Educators in all our clinical areas we have very experienced Nurses who are always willing to assist new employees.

Learning & Developmental Opportunities

• Each month you will attend a structured study day where you will learn about the conditions you will nurse in the Hospital
• You will undertake the learning of core competencies, including drug administration and specific ophthalmic-related assessments
• Intravenous Cannulation Program
• Diabetes Resource Training Program
• Regular Inservice sessions
• Annual CPR assessment

Commonly asked questions

Do I have a choice in clinical rotations?

At The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital we believe that offering a variety of clinical settings will assist you to consolidate and further develop knowledge and skills in your nursing practice. To assist this process we will place you in the Wards, our Perioperative Clinical Areas, the Emergency Department and Outpatient Departments.

Will I be able to continue nursing at The Eye & Ear Hospital following completion of the Graduate Year?

At the conclusion of the Graduate Year Program there is the opportunity for continued employment and career development at The Eye & Ear Hospital.

Do I have to be part of Computer Match to apply for the Graduate Program at The Eye & Ear Hospital?

All applicants are required to participate in the Computer Match Program.

Will you accept my application if I am an overseas nurse completing an accelerated course?

We certainly appreciate and acknowledge the training and experiences you have gained overseas, however we are only able to accept applications for our Graduate Year Program from applicants who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or who already hold Australian Permanent Residency.

If you hold a Temporary Skilled Graduate Subclass 485 or 476 Visa you are NOT eligible to apply for our Graduate Nurse Program. Also please note, we are unable to sponsor you for a working Visa.

Our Selection Process

All suitable applicants will be individually interviewed by a panel of our senior Nursing Team. We will endeavour to interview long distance, interstate or New Zealand applicants by telephone. All successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their interview as soon as possible after the interview, followed by an offer of employment in writing.

References: : As part of your application, you are required to provide two referees whom we can contact following the interview. Referees should be people you know in some professional capacity and are able to comment on your clinical skills and abilities.

One referee must be either a Clinical Educator or Preceptor who has supervised you in one of your 3rd Year rotations. The second referee can be a work-related referee.

A person who knows you only in a personal capacity should not be used as a referee. Please be sure to ask their permission before nominating them as your referee and advise them when they are likely to be contacted by a member of our Nursing Team. Also, ensure you have their current telephone number(s) where they can be contacted during business hours, as well as their email address.

Registration: Prior to commencing employment at The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital you must be registered with the Nurses Board of Victoria as a Registered Nurse (Division 1). If you are not registered at this time, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Staff Benefits at The Eye & Ear Hospital

Read what our current Graduate Nurses have to say:

“I was excited for the opportunities that would be available and the support I would receive……Perioperative nursing is an area of interest to me and offers a 5 month rotation through the Perioperative departments. Graduate support is also something I was looking for in a Graduate Nurse Program. With 5 Graduate Nurses I don’t feel I get lost in the crowd.” – Emma

“My graduate year is challenging and rewarding. So far I have been working in different departments and I can merge my theoretical knowledge with practical experience. I am delighted to have many helpful preceptors guide me through my Perioperative rotation. I am working as a team member in anaesthetics and PACU” – Kelly

“I chose this Hospital for it’s Perioperative and Emergency rotation. Currently I am undertaking my Perioperative rotation where the staff are great, friendly and helpful. My questions are always welcomed, the support is great and we do all sorts of eye and ear surgery. I am enjoying my time here and I have learnt heaps” – Rose

“In 2007 I was given the opportunity to be part of the Graduate Year Program. It was an excellent way for me to make a decision on the field I wish to focus on. Throughout my experience I was given amazing support, furthermore my knowledge base and confidence far exceeded my expectations. I am extremely thankful for the experience I had been given.” - Nick