Western District Health Service Graduate RN Program

Program overview

WDHS offers graduates the opportunity to work in a rural setting where the breadth and diversity of services and case-mix provide a rich learning environment. For many, this is a time during which important lessons are learned and lifelong friendships are formed.

The 2027 Graduate Nurse Program commences late-January/early-February 2027. 

The Graduate Nurse Program is designed to support Graduate Nurses transition from student to Registered Nurse and is recognised by WDHS as an opportunity to:

• Develop clinical competence, confidence and skills while being supported by clinical educators, preceptors and transition to practice team.
• Support the development of professionalism and collaborative practice
• Create an environment that allows reflective practice and application of lifelong learning strategies
• Facilitate the advancement to independent practitioner.

Program Support

During the program you will receive support from:

• Graduate Nurse Coordinator
• Clinical Nurse Educators
• 4-week preceptorship program
• Clinical and non-clinical staff
• Structured Orientation week
• Supernumerary shifts
• Up to eight (8) paid study days
• Access to E-Learning programs
• Internal in-service programs
• Formal & Informal feedback

How to Apply for the RN program

Step 1 – Register with PMCV

Check your eligibility for the program on the PMCV website, then register with PMCV Allocation and Placement Service – APS.

Once registered, list Western District Health Service (WDHS ) as a preference.

Step 2 – Apply to WDHS

Read the ‘Preparing Your Application’ and ‘Key Criteria’ below. Complete the online application via the WDHS Careers page. WDHS follows the PMCV APS eligibility criteria for the 2026 match.

Applications Open: Monday 1 June 2026
Applications Close: Wednesday 1 July 2026

See the PMCV website for full eligibility criteria.

Application documents

The following documents are required to complete your application:

Curriculum Vitae

• Include details of two (2) clinical referees (the same references that you provided to PMCV). We recommend you check with your referees to ensure they are happy to provide you with a reference.

Academic Transcript

• Official academic transcripts only accepted
• Provide all results received to date
• Include the grading key or we cannot accept your document
• Your transcript does not need to be certified

Clinical appraisal tools

• Include your three most recent clinical placement appraisals (both formative and summative grading and comments)
• These must include the organisation and ward or department where you completed your placement
• If you have not yet had the opportunity to complete two acute clinical placements, we will accept other most recent appraisal tools

Interview process

The interview process includes a video interview with PMCV and a face to face interview with WDHS

PMCV video interview

PMCV require you to complete an online video interview. This is to be recorded via the PMCV website.

PMCV has some helpful information on preparing for your interview and tips on their website.

WDHS will review the video interview for shortlisted candidates.

WDHS face to face interview

Shortlisted candidates will receive an email from WDHS inviting them to attend a face-to-face interview from Monday 13 July 2026.

Application outcome

WDHS will be in contact with the successful applicants following the published matching of results on PMVC.

Key criteria

Sound level of knowledge and skill relating to nursing care and the clinical environment appropriate to the position.

Commitment to ongoing learning and the ability to accept constructive feedback and appropriate direction.

Ability to set goals and objectives and meet deadlines as required.

Commitment to working as part of a team and the ability to work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.

Commitment to completing all requirements of the graduate nurse program continuing professional development.

Knowledge of contemporary nursing issues, trends and research.

Commitment to quality assurance and quality improvement activities.

Contact

Jessica Barry
Graduate Nurse Coordinator
jessica.barry@wdhs.net