Are you interested in furthering your nursing career into a speciality field? With 8 specialty programs, including Paediatric Intensive Care, Acute Medical, Cardiology, Emergency, Intensive Care, Perioperative, Nephrology and Rehabilitation, you will receive well-supported and comprehensive training experiences. We are currently seeking Registered Nurses with at least 12 months experience to join our 2027 programs, set to start in February.
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time, Temporary Part Time until February 2028 (12-month programs)
Position Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $41.22 - $57.88 per hour + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: Contracts range from 32 to 38 hours per week
Requisition ID: REQ676979
Location: Awabakal Country - John Hunter Hospital
Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.
Where you'll be working:
This is an opportunity to work for the largest employer in the region which services a population of more than 900,000 across the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast areas. John Hunter Hospital is a Level 6, tertiary referral, major trauma and teaching hospital and is the largest hospital in the Hunter New England Local Health District.
The NSW Government has committed $835 million to redevelop the John Hunter and John Hunter Children's Hospital. The John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct project will deliver an innovative and integrated precinct with industry-leading facilities. The project will work in collaboration with health, education, and research partners to meet the current and future needs of the greater Newcastle, Hunter New England, and Northern NSW regions.
The programs:
PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE PROGRAM: This comprehensive 12-month program includes a structured orientation to the Intensive Care Service and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), supported classroom and bedside teaching, and four dedicated study days that complement the theoretical components of the program. Designed for nurses passionate about delivering high-quality, family-centred care to critically ill infants, children and adolescents, the program supports the development of foundational paediatric critical care knowledge and clinical skills within a supportive and dynamic learning environment. You will develop paediatric critical care skills, provide compassionate family-centred care in a dynamic PICU environment, and gain hands-on experience in advanced life support, ventilation, trauma, oncology and surgical care, all while supported by a dedicated Nursing Education Team. Offering 32 hours per week.
ACUTE MEDICAL PROGRAM: This 12‑month Transition to Specialty Nursing Practice Program provides registered nurses with the skills and experience required to deliver high-quality care in acute medical settings. Participants undertake three clinical rotations across Acute General Medicine and Endocrinology (E, Respiratory, Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology and Dermatology (F, and the Medical Assessment and Coordination Unit (H. The program includes professional development days, structured educational support, and annual leave embedded within the program. Offering 32 hours per week.
CARDIOLOGY PROGRAM: Participate in 16-week rotations through the Coronary Care Unit, Cardiac Catheter Laboratory, and G3 Cardiology. The program also incorporates structured study days, two weeks of specialty practice days, and advanced life support assessment and competency. Choose between 32 hours per week or full-time.
EMERGENCY CARE PROGRAM: This well-supported program includes theoretical, practical, and self-directed components with acute network rotations across John Hunter Hospital ED, Belmont District Hospital ED, Calvary Mater Hospital ED and Maitland Hospital ED. It is divided into modules such as orientation and physical assessment, paediatrics, fast track, special populations, and resuscitation and trauma. EDVOM and ALS workshops are also offered. Offering 32 hours per week.
INTENSIVE CARE PROGRAM: This comprehensive transition-to-specialty program is designed for nurses who are passionate about delivering holistic, high-quality, evidence-based care in the critical care setting. Combining four face-to-face study days with two weeks of supported orientation, the program blends structured learning with practical clinical experience to support your growth as an ICU nurse. Throughout the program, participants progress through the ICU Professional Development Pathway, advancing from Novice to Advanced Beginner Level 2. Upon successful completion, participants will also be credentialled as Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. The program is offered on a 32-hour-per-week basis, enabling a balanced approach to learning and clinical practice.
PERIOPERATIVE PRACTICE PROGRAM: This program offers three streams to choose from - Anaesthetics, PACU, or Intraoperative Nurse roles. It comprises the NSW Ministry of Health Transition to Perioperative Practice Program, including the resource manual and clinical skills. Supported professional development days, simulation centre courses, preceptorship, and supernumerary clinical time. The program offers exposure to a variety of perioperative surgical specialties including paediatrics, general, orthopaedics, robotics, and obstetrics just to name a few. Offering 32 hours per week.
NEPHROLOGY PROGRAM: Grow your career with the Nephrology Transition to Specialty Practice Program, covering Dialysis and Nephrology Nursing. This program includes three 16-week rotations across Wansey Satellite Dialysis Unit, K1 Nephrology Ward, and K1 Acute Dialysis Unit. With five structured study days, dedicated mentors, support from unit CNE/CNC, and two weeks of supernumerary clinical training days. Choose between 32 hours per week or full-time.
REHABILITATION PROGRAM: Dive into the Rehabilitation Transition to Specialty Program with three 16-week rotations across two John Hunter Hospital Rehabilitation Units and Ward 5D at Maitland Hospital. This program offers exposure to Orthopaedics, Stroke/Neuro, and Amputees/General Debility, with structured study days, supernumerary clinical days, and expert support from our Rehabilitation Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Consultants. Offering the flexibility of 32 hours per week or full-time.
Benefits:
At Hunter New England Health, enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. You'll contribute to the team enriching health in millions of ways every day. On top of this we also offer:
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Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
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Furthering your nursing career by specialising
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Structured study days and supernumerary time
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Combined classroom learning and hands-on experience
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Credentials on completion of the program
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Simulation centre courses
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ADO's each month (for full time employees).
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Annual leave integrated into the programs promoting work-life balance.
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4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
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6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
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Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
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Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Requirements:
Need more information?
about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Kelly Adams on
[email protected]
Applications Close: Sunday, 16th August 2026
Information for Applicants:
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment 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.
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 [email protected] for confidential support.
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.
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.
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