The Eye and Ear Graduate RN Nurse Program facilitates the development of graduate nurses to become clinically competent in nursing. This includes developing professional relationships and delivering safe patient care in a supportive, professional working environment.

Program overview

Aim of Graduate RN Nurse Program

To facilitate the development of the graduate RN to become a competent practicing nurse. This includes developing further skills and knowledge to deliver safe patient care and to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

How to apply

Please submit your application through our careers page here on Monday 9 September. Application will close on Friday 20 September.

Length of course

The program is offered on a part- time (4 days per week) basis and includes 5 weeks annual leave.

The program will commence on Monday 10 February 2025.

Clinical rotations

The following areas are used for clinical placement for all graduates;

  • Inpatient Ward (ophthalmology and ENT beds)
  • Surgical Admissions and Recovery (SAR)
  • Perioperative Suite
  • Emergency Department
  • Specialist Clinics
  • Pre-Admission Department

Clinical Streams

  • Medical/Surgical stream
    Will incorporate three x 4 months rotations in the areas detailed above with the exception of Perioperative Suite
  • Perioperative stream
    Will incorporate a 12-month program with rotations through  anesthetics, scrub/scout and PACU within the Perioperative Suite.

More details regarding the rotations will be made available to applicants.

Clinical support

  • Orientation: When you start your employment at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, you will attend a comprehensive orientation program, which includes a nursing program followed by a general hospital orientation.
  • Supernumerary: In each clinical area you will be supernumerary for a specific period based on both your needs and those of the clinical area.
  • Clinical Support: The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has a long history of supporting new staff. When you start in the clinical areas you will be allocated one to two preceptors to support your learning and to help you to settle into your rotations. These are experienced nurses who work in these clinical areas and who are familiar with the learning needs of a new graduate. In addition each clinical area has a Clinical Support Nurse and a Clinical Nurse Educator who will also be supporting your learning and transition to working independently.

Learning and development opportunities

The graduate RN program offers significant opportunities for learning including:

  • A comprehensive 4-day orientation program, and additional study days scheduled throughout the year.
  • All study days involve presentations and discussions from experienced clinicians and incorporate aspects of professional development and clinical nursing.
  • An extensive online education program, which includes mandatory learning activities for all nursing staff, consisting of both learning modules and practical assessment.
  • Regular in-service sessions in the clinical areas.

Our late stage application process

To apply for a position at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital you must apply directly to us and include the following information:

  • Cover letter (addressed to Ann Vintiadis, Nurse Education Coordinator)
  • Up-to-date resume/CV (include at least 2 referees)
  • Most recent academic transcript
  • Clinical appraisals for 2nd and 3rd academic year – Acute placements (if possible)
  • An up-to-date passport photograph.
  • Please include a copy of your visa if applicable

Applications open on Monday 9 September and close COB on Friday 20 September 2024.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact our Nurse Education Unit

Ann Vintiadis and Lisa Tabb
Locked Bag 8
East Melbourne VIC 8002
Phone: +613 9929 8651
Email: ann.vintiadis@eyeandear.org.au