Graduate Enrolled Nurse (Mental Health)

Eastern Health; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated study days

Clinical supervision

Mentors and educators

Professional development opportunities

Salary packaging benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Eastern Health invites graduates to join the Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program (Mental Health) in Melbourne. This structured program provides two six-month rotations across diverse mental health services, with dedicated study days, supervision and mentoring to develop recovery-oriented nursing practice.

You will learn through experienced mentors, participate in reflective practice, and build a strong professional identity within a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Nursing or equivalent leading to Enrolled Nurse registration.
• Current, unrestricted AHPRA Enrolled Nurse registration or eligibility for registration by program commencement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; commitment to recovery-oriented care.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams; engage in reflective practice and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Complete two six-month rotations across Acute Inpatient, Adolescent, Older Adult Mental Health and Alcohol/Other Drug Services.
• Demonstrate recovery-oriented, person-centred care within a supportive team.
• Engage in structured learning, mentorship and clinical supervision.
• Participate in regular reflective practice and professional development.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Reflective practice

Motivation to learn

Professional development

Roster flexibility

Driver Licence

Education

Diploma of Nursing

Enrolled Nurse registration (AHPRA)

Job description

Graduate Mental Health Enrolled Nurse Program 2027

Permanent Part-Time (0.8 EFT)

Structured Graduate Mental Health Enrolled Nurse Program

• Permanent part-time employment (0.8 EFT) in Mental Health & Wellbeing Services upon successful completion of the program
• Dedicated study days, clinical supervision and mentoring
• Exposure to a range of specialist mental health services
• Opportunity to build a rewarding long-term career in mental health nursing
• Excellent learner-to-educator ratios

Will you be eligible for AHPRA registration as an Enrolled Nurse by March 2027?

Are you passionate about supporting people on their recovery journey and building a career in mental health nursing?

Join Eastern Health's Enrolled Nurse Mental Health Graduate Program and develop the specialist knowledge, skills and confidence required to deliver recovery-oriented care and build a rewarding career in Mental Health & Wellbeing Services.

About Eastern Health

Eastern Health is one of Melbourne's largest public health services. We provide a comprehensive range of emergency, surgical, medical and community-based healthcare services, including mental health, alcohol and other drug services, maternity, palliative care, residential care and state-wide specialist services.

We are committed to delivering person-centred, recovery-oriented care that supports the diverse communities we serve and values the lived and living experience of consumers, families, carers and supporters.

About the Program

Our Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program (Mental Health Nursing) is progressive, responsive, and innovative. Informed by contemporary evidence and participant feedback, the program supports the development of a skilled, compassionate and recovery-focused workforce dedicated to improving health outcomes for consumers, families, carers and supporters.

Our Learning and Teaching team and clinical staff provide a supportive environment that encourages the development of clinical skills, reflective practice, professional identity, accountability, and a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

This unique transition-to-practice program combines structured study days, reflective practice, clinical supervision and supported learning experiences. Participants receive ongoing support from experienced clinicians, nurse educators and mentors throughout the program.

As a Graduate Enrolled Nurse, you will be supported to learn, contribute to innovation and continuous improvement, and develop your professional identity within a supportive, recovery-focused mental health service. We invite you to join us as you commence your career and build your future with Eastern Health.

The program offers:

• A permanent 0.8 EFT position within Mental Health & Wellbeing Services
• A structured mental health learning pathway
• Dedicated study days
• Clinical supervision and reflective practice opportunities
• Access to experienced mentors and Mental Health Nurse Educators throughout the program
• Exposure to multidisciplinary and recovery-oriented models of care

Participants will complete two six-month rotations, which may include:

• Acute Inpatient Mental Health Services
• Adolescent Mental Health Services
• Older Adult Mental Health Services
• Alcohol and Other Drug Services

About You

• To be successful in this role, you will have:
• Diploma of Nursing (or equivalent qualification leading to Enrolled Nurse registration)
• Current, unrestricted registration with AHPRA as an Enrolled Nurse (or eligibility for registration by program commencement)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to recovery-oriented, person-centred care
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Willingness to engage in regular reflective practice, clinical supervision and professional development
• Demonstrated motivation to learn and develop as a mental health nurse
• Capacity to work a full rotating roster
• Current Victorian Driver Licence

What We Offer

At Eastern Health, you'll be part of a supportive learning environment committed to developing the future mental health nursing workforce.

Benefits include:

• Dedicated mentoring and shadowing opportunities
• Structured clinical supervision and support
• Study leave and professional development opportunities
• Discovery days across Eastern Health services
• Friendly and supportive multidisciplinary teams
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Salary packaging benefits
• Flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate
• Digital learning and development opportunities
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

As one of Victoria's leading mental health services, Eastern Health offers graduate nurses access to experienced clinicians, dedicated educators, diverse clinical experiences and clear career pathways. Our graduates join a supportive learning culture where professional development, wellbeing, and clinical excellence are highly valued.

Mental health nursing offers the opportunity to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships and support consumers through recovery-focused care. At Eastern Health, our Mental Health & Wellbeing Services are committed to evidence-based practice, innovation and workforce development.

This program provides a supported pathway into specialist mental health nursing and offers opportunities for future career progression across a diverse range of services.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process.

Employment is subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and other relevant pre‑employment checks.

You will be asked to upload the following:

• Evidence of your most recent flu vaccine
• Evidence of COVID vaccines (3 doses), if applicable
• CV

In the "Additional Documents" section, please upload:

• Academic transcript / Statement of results (with key, legend, institution details, etc.)
• Acute / subacute placement appraisals x 2 - Placement appraisals may also be known as "placement feedback", "ANSAT", "clinical assessment tools". Please include the pages with the location, ward, dates, and assessor comments. Only summative feedback pages are required. If you are unsure, please contact the Transition-to-Practice Administrative Team (contact information below).

If you have questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Candidate Application Guide.

Good to Know

• Eastern Health is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.
• We provide a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
• As a child‑safe organisation, child safety and wellbeing are embedded in our everyday culture.
• Advertising may close prior to the advertised closing date.
• Recruitment agency applications will not be accepted.

Healthcare workers are strongly encouraged to follow COVID-19 vaccination recommendations outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and current ATAGI advice. Seasonal influenza vaccination is a mandatory requirement for this role, and any offer of employment will be conditional on this requirement being met prior to commencement.