Registered Nurse - Transition to ED and COU - Incentives Offered

Hunter New England Local Health District; Armidale; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Rural incentives

Professional development

Housing assistance

Childcare assistance

Job summary

Armidale Hospital is offering a 12-month transition opportunity for Registered Nurses to build skills in Emergency and the Close Observation Unit (COU). The role is 38 hours per week, temporary full-time, with remuneration of $81,748.17 to $114,771.98 per annum, plus superannuation, salary packaging and rural incentives.

You will work with experienced clinicians, supported by a full-time Clinical Nurse Educator and Nurse Unit Manager, and have access to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with current AHPRA registration.
• Ideally completed a first-year Graduate Program.
• Commitment to learning, professional development and safe, patient-centred care.
• Strong communication, teamwork and prioritisation skills.
• Interest in developing clinical assessment and decision‑making capabilities.
• Previous ED or COU experience is not essential; eager to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills in emergency and higher-acuity nursing within a supportive rural team.
• Work alongside experienced Registered Nurses and a Clinical Nurse Educator.
• Deliver safe, patient-centred care across Emergency Department and COU.

Skills

RN registration

Graduate program

Professional development

Communication

Clinical assessment

Job description

Build your clinical skills and confidence in Emergency and Close Observation nursing at Armidale Hospital, with support from experienced clinicians and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Remuneration: $81,748.17 - $114,771.98 Per Annum + Superannuation + Salary Packaging + Rural Health Incentives

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time,12 Month Contracts

Position Classification: Registered Nurse

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ700974

Location: Armidale Hospital

Closing: Sunday, 1st November 2026

Ready to take the next step after your graduate year? Join Armidale Hospital and build your clinical skills and confidence through a transition opportunity in Emergency Nursing and the Close Observation Unit (COU).

Designed for Registered Nurses who have completed their first-year Graduate Program, this opportunity will help you build on your existing experience while developing your assessment, clinical decision-making and patient care skills across two dynamic clinical areas.

Working alongside experienced nurses and clinicians, you will be supported to develop your knowledge and confidence in emergency and higher-acuity nursing within a collaborative rural team.

• Emergency Department

Care for patients of all ages presenting with a diverse range of conditions, from minor illnesses and injuries to complex and critically unwell patients. Develop your skills in patient assessment, triage, resuscitation, acute care and recognising clinical deterioration in a fast-paced environment.

• Close Observation Unit (COU)

Our five-bed, Level 3 Critical Care Unit provides care for complex patients requiring high-dependency and coronary care, with short-term intensive care treatments also provided.

Over 12 months, you’ll build your skills in managing complex patients, responding to rapidly changing clinical conditions and delivering safe, person-centred care. You’ll work alongside experienced Registered Nurses with support from a dedicated full-time Clinical Nurse Educator and Nurse Unit Manager.

Further professional development opportunities may be available following completion of the initial 12-month contract, subject to program availability and recruitment requirements.

About You

We are looking for motivated Registered Nurses who are ready to expand their clinical experience and develop a career in Emergency and higher-acuity nursing.

To Be Eligible, You Will Have

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Ideally, completion of a first-year Graduate Program.
• A commitment to learning, professional development and safe, patient-centred care.
• Strong communication, teamwork and prioritisation skills.
• An interest in developing your clinical assessment and decision‑making capabilities.

Previous ED or COU experience is not essential. We’re looking for nurses who are eager to learn, build on their existing skills and take the next step in their clinical development.

Choose Rural and Be Supported

Thinking about making the move to a rural community? At Hunter New England Health, we understand that relocating is about more than starting a new job.

Through The Welcome Experience healthcare professionals and their families can access complimentary support to help make the transition easier, including assistance with housing, childcare and schooling, local services and community connections, and employment opportunities for partners.

You’ll also enjoy a range of benefits when you choose to work rurally, including:

• Affordable housing - 51% less than the NSW median
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture
• Paid Parental Leave and up to 6 weeks annual leave (for eligible employees)
• Ongoing education and professional development opportunities
• Salary packaging options to increase your take‑home pay
• Discounted gym options through Fitness Passport
• You may be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*

Additional Information

• Based on a minimum 18‑month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part‑time and contract employees will be made on a pro‑rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD‑[e-mail].

The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child‑safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well‑being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community.

We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD‑[e-mail].

An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part‑time vacancies.

To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Information For Applicants

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take‑home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [e-mail] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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