Graduate Registered Nurse

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

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging up to $15,900 for LEC

14 weeks paid parental leave

Employee assistance program (Sonder)

Job summary

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Geelong is offering a 12-month Graduate Nurse Program for newly registered nurses to build clinical confidence and leadership. The program blends in-centre on-the-job practice with online modules, mentor support, and opportunities to lead local improvement projects.

Successful graduates will work under the Graduate Nurse Manager and Lifeblood Mentor Community, with ongoing professional development and a clear pathway into Lifeblood roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Nursing completed between June 2026 and Dec 2026.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

Bachelor of Nursing

Job description

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood – Geelong VIC

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 available across the following locations: Brisbane (QLD), Melbourne(VIC), Geelong (VIC) and Hobart (TAS)

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.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please reach out to us. For further enquires reach out to Susanna Bugden, Early Careers Program Manager *******@redcrossblood.org.au