Are you a newly qualified or soon-to-be registered nurse eager to launch your career in a supportive and dynamic environment? Tasmania beckons with open arms and a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your journey in aged care. The Tasmanian Health Service is proud to offer a comprehensive Transition to Practice Program specifically tailored for graduate nurses passionate about making a difference in aged care. This program provides the essential scaffolding you need to confidently transition from student to registered nurse, all while specializing in the rewarding field of aged care within Tasmania’s welcoming communities.
This initiative is designed to support and nurture graduate nurses like you, offering a structured pathway to develop your skills and expertise in aged care nursing. It’s more than just a job; it’s a stepping stone to a fulfilling and impactful career in a sector where your compassion and skills are highly valued. If you are dedicated to providing exceptional care for older adults and seeking a graduate program that truly invests in your future, the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program in Tasmania is your ideal starting point.
What the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program in Tasmania Offers You
The Transition to Practice Program in Tasmania goes beyond standard graduate positions, providing a robust framework of support and opportunities to ensure your success and growth in aged care nursing. Here’s what you can expect:
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Tailored Support for Aged Care Specialization: Receive additional support specifically designed for the nuances of aged care. This includes mentorship from experienced aged care nurses and educators who understand the unique challenges and rewards of caring for older adults. You’ll gain specialized knowledge in areas such as dementia care, geriatric health, and person-centered approaches to aged care.
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Networking within the Aged Care Sector: Connect with a cohort of fellow graduate nurses who share your passion for aged care. Build a supportive network through workshops, seminars, and group activities, fostering collaboration and shared learning experiences focused on aged care best practices.
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Encouragement and Guidance Beyond Clinical Placements: Transition smoothly from academic learning to real-world practice with dedicated support that extends beyond typical clinical placements. Our program acknowledges the specific emotional and professional demands of aged care nursing and provides resources to help you thrive.
Eligibility Criteria for the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program
To be eligible for this competitive and highly sought-after program, you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Recent Nursing Qualification: You must be due to complete or have recently completed an accredited undergraduate nursing course within the last 24 months. This ensures the program is focused on supporting nurses in the early stages of their career transition.
- Limited Post-Registration Experience: Applicants should have less than six calendar months of experience as a registered nurse at the program commencement date. This program is specifically designed for nurses at the beginning of their professional journey.
- Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia: You must hold the relevant registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to practice as a registered nurse in Australia.
- Australian Work Rights: Applicants must hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a visa that permits them to work in Australia.
- Compliance with Health and Safety Standards: You will need to comply with immunisation and conviction check requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both yourself and the patients in your care.
The Tasmanian Health Service Transition to Practice (TtP) RN Campaign, including opportunities within aged care, typically opens in July and closes in August each year. For the most up-to-date dates, please refer to the JobsTas website.
How to Apply for the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program
Applying for the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program in Tasmania is a straightforward online process:
- Online Application Portal: Submit your application through the transition to practice portal on the JobsTas website. Please note that the portal is only accessible during the active recruitment campaign period.
- Application Dates: Stay informed about the campaign dates by regularly checking the JobsTas website.
- Single Application: If you are a registered nurse applying for a graduate position, you only need to submit one online application, indicating your interest in aged care within your application.
- Referees: Be prepared to provide details of two professional referees who can speak to your clinical skills and suitability for aged care nursing.
For a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment process, we encourage you to download the Transition to Practice Handbook.
Download the Transition to Practice Handbook
Key Components of the Aged Care Transition Program
The Aged Care Transition to Practice Program is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive and supportive experience:
- Program Duration: Engage in a 6 to 12-month program, working up to 76 hours per fortnight, allowing for a balanced workload as you adjust to your new role.
- Rotational Shift Work: Experience a variety of shifts, including day work, providing exposure to the 24/7 nature of aged care and ensuring a well-rounded understanding of patient care needs across different times of the day.
- Diversity of Aged Care Clinical Positions: Explore different facets of aged care through diverse clinical positions. This may include placements in residential aged care facilities, community aged care settings, or specialized geriatric units, depending on availability and your interests.
- Extended Orientation Period: Benefit from an extended orientation period with supernumerary time in your clinical area. This allows for a gradual integration into your role, providing ample time to learn procedures, familiarize yourself with aged care protocols, and build confidence under supervision.
- Dedicated Clinical Support: Receive consistent clinical support from preceptors, nurse unit managers, ward-based educators, and transition-specific clinical nurse educators. These experienced professionals will provide guidance, answer your questions, and support your professional development in aged care.
- Specialized Professional Development Activities: Participate in professional development activities specifically tailored to aged care. This may include workshops on advanced dementia care, palliative care in aged care, medication management for older adults, and communication skills for effective interaction with elderly patients and their families.
- Professional Portfolio Development: Develop a professional portfolio to document your growth, skills, and achievements throughout the program. This portfolio will be a valuable asset for future career progression in aged care nursing.
Program Benefits: Investing in Your Aged Care Nursing Career
The Tasmanian Health Service is committed to investing in its graduate nurses, offering a range of benefits to enhance your experience and career prospects in aged care:
- Access to Online Educational Resources: Utilize online educational resources and programs designed to support your learning and professional development in aged care.
- Individual Employee Email Account: Receive your own employee email account for seamless communication and access to organizational resources.
- Competitive Pay and Entitlements: Enjoy pay rates and leave entitlements as per the current Nurses and Midwives award, ensuring fair compensation and benefits.
- Salary Packaging and Sacrificing: Take advantage of competitive salary packaging and salary sacrificing options in some areas to maximize your financial benefits.
- Work/Life Balance Initiatives: Benefit from work/life balance initiatives that recognize the importance of your wellbeing and personal life.
- Employee Assistance Program: Access the Employee Assistance Program, providing confidential support and resources for personal and professional wellbeing.
Special Incentives for Aged Care TtP Participants in 2025 and 2026
Exciting incentives are available for TtP participants commencing in 2025 and 2026, including those specializing in aged care. Scholarship funding is available under the Expanded Support Program, offering up to $10,000 to support further education and career progression in your second and third years of employment within the Tasmanian Health Service. This scholarship underscores the commitment to developing and retaining skilled aged care nurses in Tasmania.
Contacts for Further Information
For more detailed information about the Aged Care Transition to Practice program, please reach out to the Clinical Nurse Educators listed below. They are dedicated to answering your questions and guiding you through the application process.
North
Julia Bullock
Position: Nursing Director – Education and Training
Phone: 03 6777 6954
Email: [email protected]
or
Transition to Practice Clinical Nurse Educators
Phone: 03 6777 6418
Email: [email protected]
North West
Isabelle Skinner
Position: Nursing Director – Education and Research
Phone: 03 6493 6169
Email: [email protected]
South
Kate Stirling
Position: Clinical Nurse Educator – Transaction to Practice
Phone: 03 6166 8530
Email: [email protected]
Statewide Mental Health Services
Tonia Blackwood
Position: Clinical Nurse Educator- Transition to Practice
Phone: 03 6165 8504
Email: [email protected]
Take the first step towards a fulfilling and impactful nursing career in aged care. Apply for the Aged Care Graduate Nurse Program in Tasmania today and become a vital part of providing exceptional care to older adults in our community.
