Graduate Registered Nurse

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood; Canberra; On-site; AUD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5+ weeks annual leave

Salary packaging up to AUD 15,900 for;

14 weeks parental leave

Employee assistance program 'Sonder'

Diversity and wellbeing recognition

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in Canberra invites applications for a 2027 Graduate Registered Nurse Program. The role offers practical clinical exposure, leadership development, and a structured blend of on‑the‑job and in-centre learning over a 12‑month year.

You’ll be supported by mentors and receive a pathway into professional practice. The program includes competitive hourly salary and penalties where applicable, with generous leave and family-friendly benefits, designed to support your

Qualifications

• Completion of Bachelor of Nursing (or equivalent) between June 2026 and December 2026.
• Graduate Registered Nurse program participation.
• Willingness to develop leadership and clinical confidence.

Responsibilities

• Greet and interview potential donors to assess eligibility.
• Insert and remove needles to collect whole blood, plasma, and platelets.
• Conduct routine blood pressure and haemoglobin tests.
• Set up and manage plasma/platelet machines and whole blood collections.
• Manage adverse donor reactions with instructions and assistance.
• Occasionally lift between 9–22.7 kg.
• Work varied shifts on a rotating roster including weekends and afternoons.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor of Nursing

Job description

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood – Canberra ACT

At Lifeblood, our purpose is simple: to give life.

• 2027 Graduate Registered Nurse Program
• Salary $41.83 per hour + Penalties (if applicable) + Super + Salary Packaging
• Roles availailable across the following locations in NSW and ACT: Sydney, Parramatta, Port Macquire, Armidale (NSW) and Canberra

Are you a Graduate Registered Nurse who is excited to develop your nursing career in a specialised environment, utilising your nursing skills, your passion for caring and desire to develop your leadership skills? If so, we want you to join our team!

Our Graduate Nurse Program

Here at Lifeblood, we have designed a Graduate Nurse Program to support newly registered nurses build clinical confidence and strong leadership skills as they transition from study to professional practice.

Our Graduate Nurse Program will offer graduate nurses

• A balance between on-the-job practice, and online (in centre) class schedules to set you up for success in your graduate nursing year
• Three additional learning modules to;
• Build Lifeblood leadership capabilities
• Deepen clinical confidence through "Day in the Life" experiences
• Drive local continuous improvement projects
• Build strong business acumen through internal and external professional development sessions

Your day-to-day experiences in our donor centre could see you;

• Greet and interview potential Donors to understand their eligibility and suitability to donate
• Insert and remove needles safely to collect whole blood, plasma, and platelets
• Complete routine blood pressure and haemoglobin tests
• Set up and manage plasma and platelet machines and whole blood collections
• Manage adverse donor reactions by providing instructions and physical assistance
• Occasionally lift between 9-22.7kgs
• Be flexible to work varied shifts on a fortnightly rotating roster from Monday to Saturday/Sunday, including weekends and afternoon shifts

We know that providing support and building meaningful connections are essential elements in creating a safe and curious learning environment.

During our 12-month Graduate Nurse Program, our graduates will be supported by the Graduate Nurse Manager and Lifeblood Mentor Community. Our mentors will provide encouragement, resources and support for our graduates as well as coach, influence and shape professional nursing practices. They will help our graduates reach their professional goals within their first year of employment at Lifeblood, as well as help our graduates navigate their new nursing environment.

Eligibility for the graduate program

The Registered Nurse Program is offered to graduates who have completed a Bachelor of Nursing Program or equivalent between June 2026 to Dec 2026

Benefits and Wellbeing

We place our employee's well-being at the forefront and express gratitude and care for one another. As an Australian Workplace Equality Index recognised employer and one of Australia's menopause-friendly organisations, we celebrate diversity and support all our people.

In addition to being a part of an organisation that is the heartbeat of the nation, you will have access to the following:

• Minimum 5 weeks annual leave (up to 6 weeks)
• Access to salary packaging with an option to package up to $15,900 for living expenses and $2,650 for meals and entertainment
• 14 weeks paid parental leave for either parent
• Our dedicated employee assistance program - Sonder that you can access 24/7 from an app on your phone
• Plus, many more!

We are a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. You'll hear from us with an outcome after your application has been reviewed and assessed.

Successful applicants will commence their Lifeblood journey mid Feb 2027.