2027 Step Perioperative Nursing Program

Northern Health Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 69,000; Part time

Job summary

Northern Health is offering a 12-month Fixed Term Part Time STEP program in Perioperative Nursing, commencing early February 2027. The program provides a structured pathway with hands-on clinical experience across multiple campuses including Broadmeadows, Epping and Kilmore.

As a STEP student, you will rotate through Anaesthesia, PACU, Intraoperative, Endoscopy and Admissions; you will be supported by Clinical Nurse Educators and perioperative staff while developing both technical and

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year acute care experience as a Registered Nurse.
• Perioperative experience desirable but not essential.
• Availability to start in first week of February 2027.
• Ability to work 10-hour shifts.
• Willingness to rotate rosters including weekends, day and evening shifts.
• Commitment to completing the full 12-month program including theory and clinical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assess, care for and advocate for patients throughout the perioperative journey.
• Develop skills in airway management, patient assessment, asepsis, assisting surgical teams, risk identification and mitigation.

Skills

Acute care experience

Education

Registered Nurse

Job description

Reference Number: 54415: 2027 STEP Perioperative Nursing Program
Employment Type: Fixed Term Part Time (PT)
Location: Northern Health (All Campuses)

About Northern Health:

As an organisation we have a clear focus on how we service and partner with our community, including our strategy of helping the community stay well when at home. Our reputation of community minded, inclusive and progressive is matched to none.

Northern Health is located in the rapidly growing northern suburbs with projected growth the biggest in the state. With a booming, culturally rich and diverse community, and less than an hour’s drive from the CBD (still within the bounds of Myki and ride-sharing), Melbourne’s North is fast becoming the place to be.

Northern Health offers an exciting opportunity for Registered Nurses to advance their careers through the 2027 STEP Program in Perioperative Nursing.

This introductory program provides a supportive environment where nurses can develop foundational perioperative nursing skills through a combination of theoretical education and hands‑on clinical experience. Participants will gain exposure to a diverse range of surgical procedures and patient care settings, while being guided by experienced educators and clinical mentors committed to fostering professional growth and development.

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute, mental health, specialist, community and home-based services in Melbourne’s rapidly growing outer north.

Services are provided through our six main campuses:

• Northern Hospital Epping
• Broadmeadows Hospital
• Bundoora Centre
• Craigieburn Community Hospital
• Mernda Community Hospital
• Kilmore District Hospital.

In addition, Mental Health Services are provided at Epping, Broadmeadows, Jacana, Preston, Mill Park and Coburg.

About the Role:

Northern Health Surgical Services Division provides care for Melbourne’s Northern community across a broad range of surgical specialties. Following a recent expansion of services to meet increasing surgical demand, Northern Health now has 16 operating suites.

Across three campuses based in Epping, Broadmeadows and Kilmore, our surgical services cover:

• General surgery
• Orthopaedics
• Plastics
• Urology
• Gynaecology and obstetrics
• Paediatrics
• ENT
• Hepatobiliary
• Vascular and Endovascular
• Thoracics
• Ophthalmology
• Endoscopy.

About the program:

This program is designed as an introduction to perioperative nursing practice and includes rotations through:

• Anaesthesia Nursing
• Post-Anaesthesia Nursing (PACU)
• Intraoperative Nursing (scrub/scout)
• Endoscopy
• Admissions & Discharge

Program highlights:

• Commencement in early February 2027.
• Employment with Northern Health on a 12-month contract at 70 hours per fortnight
• Based primarily at the Broadmeadows Surgical Centre, with rotation opportunities at Epping and Kilmore Operating suites
• Designed to be a pathway to postgraduate perioperative studies
• Comprehensive support from experienced Clinical Nurse Educators, Clinical Support Nurses, and Perioperative staff.

A day in the life of a Perioperative STEP Student:

As a STEP student you will:

• Prepare, assess, care for and advocate for patients throughout their perioperative journey
• Develop technical skills in airway management, patient assessment, surgical asepsis, assisting surgical teams, risk identification and mitigation, and management of the deteriorating patient
• Build non-technical skills in communication, teamwork and situational awareness, while collaborating closely with the multidisciplinary teams
• Gain clinical exposure to a wide variety of surgical specialties and patient presentations
• Apply and expand your knowledge through a structured and supported learning program
• Receive regular clinical support, coaching and feedback from Clinical Nurse Educators, Clinical Support Nurses and Perioperative Nursing team.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Minimum of one (1) year acute care experience as a Registered Nurse
• Previous perioperative experience (desirable but not essential)
• Availability to start in first week of February 2027
• Ability to work 10-hour shifts
• Commitment to completing the full 12-month supported program including all theoretical and clinical requirements,
• Highly motivated and genuine willingness to learn.
• Ability to work rotating roster including weekends, day and evening shifts

Nicole Psaila, Postgraduate Program Coordinator

Jo Bosworth, Perioperative Clinical Nurse Educator

Why work at the Northern Health?

NH offer a range of benefits which support and reward staff both personally and professionally.

Our staff benefits include award winning facilities and campus partnerships, Professional development and events, an award-winning Health and wellbeing program and financial benefits.

• Health and Wellbeing programs, including our new 'Thrive' program
• Flexibility in the workplace and extra leave options and support
• An inclusive and culturally safe space
• Access to salary packaging & EAP
• Comprehensive Library services for learning, research, clinical decision-making, leisure and wellbeing (onsite and online)

Work with us! Northern Health is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as applicants who are LGBTIQ+, who have different abilities, or are from culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds are encouraged.