Nursing and Midwifery

Graduate Handbook
Getting that graduate position


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Copyright March 2013 and dates revised May 2014

Designed and produced by:
Nursing and Midwifery Office
Western Australian Department of Health
PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre WA 6849
FREE CALL: 1800 11 22 72 (free from land line only, within Western Australia)
PHONE NO: 08 9222 4075
FAX: 08 9222 4467
EMAIL: gnc@health.wa.gov.au
WEBSITE: www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au
OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday 9 - 5 pm, closed public holidays

This work is copyright, but maybe reproduced in whole or in part as long as source is
acknowledged. For reproduction otherwise, please obtain written permission via address above.

The WA Nursing and Midwifery Office would like to acknowledge the Nursing and Midwifery
Offices of Northern Territory Health and Tasmanian Health in the development of this
document.








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Welcome
Thank you for considering kick starting your nursing or midwifery career at one of our
participating site using GradConnect. The health industry in WA is in good shape with lots of
investments making our facilities state-of-the-art. With the refreshing of our health services and
expansion come heaps of exciting opportunities to gain experience and skill while you
consolidate your education. The important thing to remember is that your first year post study
is about gaining confidence and developing good time management skills. You can do this at
any health site, so be flexible in your preferences and what positions you decide to either
accept or decline.

Why you need to read this handbook
If you are going to be eligible to register in the next calendar year you need to read this
handbook and get ready to apply to GradConnect.

Each year more than 1,000 students graduate from nursing and midwifery courses in
Western Australia (and about 11,000 across Australia) and most are looking for a job at the
same time.

Employers can only take on so many graduates, so you need to stand out from the crowd.

The challenge you are facing is finishing your studies and getting a job in the nursing and
midwifery workforce. It is a very busy year, so to help you be organised and stay on track,
this handbook is divided into three sections:

1. Getting ready for March and June application and recruitment
2. Getting on with the job hunt
3. Planning for your first professional position




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1. Getting ready
It is never too soon to start getting organised for your employment search. During this
time you need to:
Start a job hunt file
Decide if you want to participate in a graduate program

A good place to start is to compile a job hunt file that includes the certificates and information
you'll you will need throughout the next six to twelve months.















Before you can begin to work as a nurse or midwife, including in a graduate program, you
must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). To find out
when and how to get registered - turn to Getting registered on page 13.

Once you are registered with the NMBA you are authorised to practice as a nurse or midwife
anywhere in Australia.



Your job hunt file should include:
Birth certificate or passport (for proof or identity)
Criminal record screening clearance
Working with children clearance
Immunisation record
Transcript of academic standing
Referee names and contact details (make sure you have your referees
permission)
Your portfolio of evidence
A resume

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Graduate programs
Many, but not all, nurses or midwives start their professional careers by undertaking a
graduate program.

Graduate programs for enrolled nurses, registered nurses and midwives are formalised
transition programs offered by employers for those in their first year of practice. Graduate
programs are workplace-based programs designed to consolidate knowledge, skills and
competence and transition graduates to practice as safe, confident and accountable
professionals while being employed.

Graduate programs go beyond normal orientation and induction and offer graduates formal
education time (including study days), supernumerary time and clinical support including
preceptorship/mentorship/coaching and supervised clinical education.

Graduate programs may include opportunities for rotations - for example you may work in one, two
or three areas of the organisation. This will depend on how the organisation has structured the
graduate program. No one single way is better than the other.

For more information, see www.gnc.health.wa.gov.au to find out what individual hospitals are
offering in thei r graduate program.









The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is the body
authorised to register all nurses (including enrolled nurses) and
midwives in Australia. To find out more, go to:
www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

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Graduate programs are not mandatory
Graduate programs are not mandatory however, they do offer new graduates structure and
support in their first year of practice. They may not suit everybody and some people may not
get an opportunity to enter a graduate program.

An example of people not wanting to undertake a graduate program could be:

Youre an enrolled nurse making the transition to become a registered nurse.
You may already be well acquainted with professional practice, although in a
different role and at a different level. Your current or potential employer may be
happy to appoint you to a registered nurse role without doing a full graduate
program. This may be up to you, but sometimes it may be up to your employer.
Some employers prefer people to undertake graduate programs in order to
thoroughly change their role and practice, as well as how they see themselves
(and how others see them) within their team.

Finding the right graduate program for you
As soon as you are registered as a nurse or midwife, you are licensed to work in those
respective professions and will be accountable for your care and actions. However, in your
first year of employment, you need a supportive environment to help you make that
transition from student to professional in a planned, coordinated way.

Graduate programs offer a range of experiences and opportunities. Some give graduates a
single ward where they can consolidate their skills and professional integration with a stable
team over the full twelve months. Others offer rotations to different areas that allow you to
experience different things. No one program is perfect for everyone.

The size of the organisation and number of rotations is not a guarantee that a program is
suited to you. Some people prefer smaller organisations and need more time to settle in
and become confident.

Many nurses and mi dwi ves believe that the most important aspect of your graduate year
is to work in a clinical area that offers good support. This support may include access to

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debriefing sessions, supernumerary time, buddying with more experienced staff or access
to ongoing education.

Your first year is about consolidation and learning to be a professional; it's not another
student clinical placement. It is important that you are in a team where you feel like you are
practising safely and know where to go when unsure, and ask questions.

Before choosing your graduate program, do some research to find out what is on offer and
think about what you personally need in a workplace. Remember, highly challenging and
busy clinical environments dont suit everybody.

You can research graduate program by attending the nursing and health expos organised by
the Australian College of Nursing. These are held on different dates for each state, for further
information go to www.acn.edu.au





How to access graduate programs in Western Australia
There are two ways to find a graduate program in Western Australia:

1. GradConnect is an online application service that all public health services (WA
Health) and participating private hospitals use for their graduate recruitment. It means
only applying once to be considered for all of these hospitals and health services,
2. Contact hospitals and health services not participating in GradConnect. Just because
they do not participate in GradConnect doesnt mean they dont offer a graduate
program.


A graduate year is about: consolidation and learning to be a
professional; being accountable for your actions and practice; and
being part of health team. Its not another clinical placement as a
student - so look for a graduate program that will offer you a supportive
work environment.

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Using GradConnect
The first step in being employed in a graduate program within WA Health or a participating
private hospitals is to apply via GradConnect at www.gnc.health.wa.gov.au

This site includes a ful l l i st of parti ci pati ng hospi tal s and heal th servi ces (wi th l i nks to
thei r brochures and contact detai l s), program rules, application user guides and
Frequently Asked Questions. Make sure you read these carefully.

Please be aware that:
You are not guaranteed employment just by applying via GradConnect. It's a job
application, so is competitive, with more candidates than places, particularly for the
more popular programs or employers.
To give yourself the best chance of success, take a proactive and professional
approach. This means taking the time and effort to make your application high quality so
that it stands out from the crowd, Think of it as the assignment you need to get an A for
and not just pass.
GradConnect provides you with the opportunity to list your top five preferences. To give
yourself the best opportunity to have your application assessed - you need to select five
different sites. Don't put all your eggs in one basket! The hospital or health service you
choose may have many great applicants, but not enough jobs to offer everyone a place.









GradConnect applications open:
30 June 2014 for positions commencing throughout 2014
2 March 2015 for positions commencing in July or August 2015
Please check www.gnc.health.wa.gov.au for participating health sites and for any changes

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Postponing your graduate year
In the past, some nursing or midwifery graduates who were unsuccessful i n gai ni ng
empl oyment i nto a graduate program have considered waiting until the next year for a
better offer. You should think seriously before postponing your graduate year.

If you defer your graduate program, potential employers may be concerned about the long gap
between completing your course and commencing your program. You will also be competing
against a new group of graduates for a limited number of positions.

If you decide not to go into a graduate program, or decline an offer made to you by
GradConnect, you need to focus on getting a nursing or midwifery job somewhere within the
first six months of graduating.

Remember, your first year of employment is a time to consolidate your skills and education
and to understand how to practice consistently at the level expected of a health
professional. The setting you work in is not the most important aspect of this year.












Nursing and midwifery are practice-based professions, so its really
important that you consolidate your undergraduate learning through
regular employment in the first year of being registered.

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2. Getting on with the job hunt
You need to be preparing your resume and getting ready to attend interviews. It can be a busy
time as you will also be studying; but it is important to stay focused, organised and flexible.
During this time, you need to:

prepare a winning resume sites may request you to bring a resume to interview
although this is not requested as part of your online application with GradConnect
practice and prepare for your interviews, set up mock interviews with your parent/s,
tutors or career services
Spend time making your selection criteria perfect. Reviewing how youve responded in
your application to selection criteria is how most recruiters decide who to interview or not.
Provide examples of situations where you have been able to demonstrate what the
selection criteria is asking in relation to clinical tasks. Provide information on what you
did (actions) and the response or outcome of what you did.
Interview questions are also based around the selection criteria, so think of clinical
situations where you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of the selection
criteria
pre-register with NMBA. http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Graduate-Applications




Putting together your resume
In putting together your resume, carefully consider what employers might want from a
graduate and the traits and abilities they would value.

Your resume is a way of marketing or selling yourself and to tell your potential employer what
you have achieved and what you can offer their organisation.


A resume is a short written summary of your education, previous
employment history and any additional (relevant) skills
you may have.

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Here are some tips:
Include your transferable skills - those skills that you have gained through study, part-
time work or volunteering. Transferable skills demonstrate your capacity to do the job
and are important in the current job market.
Avoid words like innovative, dynamic, motivated, team player, fast-paced, problem
solver- hundreds of other graduates are describing themselves in exactly the same way.
Replace overused terms with descriptions of specific projects and outcomes, for
example you could say:
o As a volunteer, I did ......
o As a student I experienced.....
o I worked outside of nursing as a ......
o In a school project I was responsible for ......
There are many resume styles but always use a specific resume if suggested by the
employer.
Have a parent, career service counsellor or lecturer check your resume and application.
Be truthful and accurate and provide all information requested.
Emphasise how you intend to contribute to the organisation.
Ask permission of your referee before including their name and contact details in your
resume.





Professionalism and credibility can be measured by your attention to detail and following
through on commitments. For example, if your letter of application or resume states that
you have good written communication and organisation skills then make sure that this is
demonstrated in your application. Also make sure you include all of the information and
documentation that has been requested.

The basic information required for your resume:
Your personal details, make sure your contact details are current
Education and employment
Skills
Referees

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Everyone hates interviews
Most of us find interviews stressful, but performing well at interview is a learned process and
so practice will help.
Find out if the interview is one-on-one, panel or a group interview it reduces the surprise
effect when you arrive.
The questions are based on the selection criteria (which you have answered in your
application) for graduate nurses and midwives.
Practice interviews by creating your own questions and answers. Set up a mock interview
with a parent, careers counsellor or tutor.
Interviews are also about building a relationship with your potential employer. You need to
demonstrate an understanding and interest in the profession you are about to enter.
Interviews are not trying to make it hard for you to get a job, all they want is to understand
what you are like as a person, student and colleague. They want to get to know you better.
Make a good impression arrive on time and dress professionally.













We asked graduate recruiters what they are looking for and they
said:
good interpersonal skills - a graduate who can discuss t opi cs and
demonst r at e gr eat communication technique and team work
graduates who show enthusiasm
graduates who have the ability to problem solve and discuss strategies
to seek help when needed
graduates who have given consideration to their future nursing or
midwifery career
graduates who display an enquiring approach to their professional
practice and show initiative in choosing ongoing learning strategies
academic progress as undergraduate
Graduates who dont assume that they are suitable for employment based
on the sole fact that they have been a great student with high grades
you need to demonstrate it!


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Surviving group interviews
Group interviews usually take a couple of hours and are different to one-on-one interviews,
which can be more personal. Group interviews usually involve having a small group of
candidates carry out a series of activities ie: setting up an intravenous line, or taking a set of
observations and interpreting them. The interviewers observe behaviours and skills
demonstrated to help them select the best candidates who will proceed to the next level of
assessment.

Like all interviews, you are assessed from the moment you enter the room. The interviewers
pay attention to everything. Here are some tips for group interviews:
When you have the opportunity to tell the group about yourself and your experiences,
be confident, maintain eye contact and speak in a clear voice.
The group interview may include role-playing scenarios. Standing out during a group
interview is important so you need to consider how you can impress the interviewers.
Try to discuss your experience and education whenever possible.
No matter how qualified or experienced you are, it's easy to get spooked at a group
interview. Remain calm, take your time, and express yourself clearly.













You only get one chance to make a good first impression
Be on time for your interview and dress for success!

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Getting registered as a nurse or midwife
Before you can begin to work as a nurse or midwife, you must be registered with the NMBA.

Many graduate programs in Western Australia commence in February, so it is important that
you do not delay your application for registration. The registration process can take one to two
months even if the NMBA has all of your documentation. The NMBA will review your application
and the recommendation of your training provider - so make sure you complete all your
assignments on time.

You are able to pre-register online (4 6 weeks prior to completing your program) but your
application will not be successfully completed until you have passed your course and the
NMBA has received and assessed all the documentation.

Find out about the registration process at
www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Graduate-Applications.aspx

You cannot start you graduate program if you are not registered no
exceptions!









To ensure you are ready to start your graduate program
you must:
Complete all academic requirements by the time the academic progress
committee at your institution meets
Commence your on-line pre registration to NMBA at least four to six
weeks before the end of the academic year
Pay the NMBA application fee on time
Ensure you have all the correct and complete documentation for NMBA,
including evidence that you meet the English Language registration
standards


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3. Finding a job
If you have not been successful in gaining employment through GradConnect we suggest you
rethink your career plan. You may not be able to start in the clinical area or even health site you
had as your first choice. In the recent past, graduates have been reluctant to consider
positions in mental health where vacancies still remain. Mental health however, offers
great opportunities with all the skills you develop being transferable into general health
settings. We strongly recommend you take a position if one is offered. It may not be your
dream job but it will give you an entrance to the profession and will open up many f ut ure
opportunities. You need skills in nursing mental health patients wherever you work.

Remember, graduate programs are not mandatory. There are many ways to enter the nursing
and midwifery workforce. You need to approach the task with commitment so that not too
much time elapses between completing your study and being employed as a nurse or a
midwife.

You may need to consider clinical fields and geographic areas that are not your first or second
choice, so that you 'get your foot in the door'. You may also need to consider working fewer
hours i.e. part time, with the intention of proving yourself and being available to leap at any
opportunities that arise.

Consider all employment options, such as public and private health services, doctor's
surgeries, health clinics, aged care facilities, mine sites and the defence forces - these are all
options that could provide employment opportunities for graduates.







Please remember that some graduates don't start their graduate program. Some drop out or
postpone their start, so it is good to check with health services (especially those where you
What to look for in an employer if they dont have a formal graduate
program:
a good orientation process
support for study leave
partnerships with education providers
supernumerary time for you to work with a preceptor

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have been interviewed) in late January or February to see if any places have become available
at short notice.

Additionally, Health Workforce Australia provides a Graduate Information Portal to assist
graduates who don't get a graduate position through normal state-based recruitment. See
www.nmgj.org.au to find work in other states.

Relationships and networking
You have a great opportunity to create a good impression while on your clinical placements.
Consider the clinical placement as the beginning of your relationship with a potential employer,
especially if you are interested in working at that health service. Clinical placements also
provide an opportunity to network within the organisation and foster relationships.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
While looking for a job, show prospective employers that you are engaged with your
profession. Attend workshops and lectures (especially those that build on your practice, such
as general nursing skills or those relevant to the area you are seeking work in). Continue to
read professional journals, attend conferences and complete online learning packages.

Some graduates continue their studies, undertaking an honours year or post-graduate studies
while they look for employment.

Finishing studies mid-year
If you finish your degree mid-year, you can apply through GradConnect the year before for a
mid-year intake. You will need to check our web site carefully as some sites that offer mid-year
start dates only recruit once a year. It is also important not to waste your preference selection
on sites that do not offer mid-year intakes.






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International nursing and midwifery graduates
If you are an international student seeking career opportunities in Australia there is a
"Graduate Career" website which has specific information for international students that have
undertaken their study in Australia. See
www.graduateopportunities.com/application_dates_career_infor/international_student_opportunities

A word about Facebook and other social media
Social media has created a very sociable environment but it has also blurred the boundary
between our personal and professional lives. A recent survey of more than 400 managers
found that 36 per cent of Australian employers admit to checking potential candidate's
Facebook profiles before offering them the job!

So, as a general rule, it is best not to put information on Facebook or other sites that you do
not want your employer to see. Remember to list and adjust your privacy settings so you can
effectively separate your professional life from your personal life.

As a nurse or midwife you have professional responsibilities to uphold your profession at all
times. See the NMBAs Guidelines for use of social media at
www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/FAQ.aspx

You might also want to consider having a separate professional and personal email address.

We hope this information has helped you understand the current employment
environment and given you some strategies for your transition into the profession.

Nursing and midwifery are careers that offer terrific opportunities and experiences.
Yours is just beginning.


To find out more about nursing and midwifery graduate programs in WA
go to www.gnc.health.wa.gov.au or find us on Facebook








Nursing and Midwifery Office
Department of Health 2013