Graduate nursing and midwifery program

Our twelve-month training and development program offers dedicated support to recent nursing and midwifery graduates as they transition from academia to clinical practice.

This comprehensive program is designed to empower graduates to become independent practitioners by enhancing their skills through hands-on learning alongside experienced health professionals. It provides a unique opportunity for graduates to cultivate essential knowledge and skills within a supportive environment and refine their career goals through continued professional development opportunities. Throughout the program, we prioritise the development of confidence, competence, and critical thinking, preparing graduates to excel in dynamic clinical settings.

At our health service, we are committed to lifelong learning and the professional growth of our team. This structured twelve-month program ensures graduates receive the guidance and resources needed to deliver safe and effective care during their pivotal first year in practice.

Prior to completion of the program, graduates are encouraged to explore their options and apply for a position within their preferred clinical area/s. Alternatively, you will retain a permanent position within the Nursing & Midwifery Staffing Team.

Graduate positions are available across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service at

• The Townsville University Hospital
• Townsville community campuses
• Rural facilities
  • Ayr, Home Hill, Charters Towers, Ingham, Palm Island (Joyce Palmer Health Service), Hughenden, and Richmond

Graduate positions on offer across health service groups including medical, surgical, mental health, rural, aged care, and women's and children's health. Click the link for more information on the wards.

Graduate positions are available across the Townsville Hospital and Health Service at:
• The Townsville University Hospital,
• Townsville community campuses, &
• Rural facilities
o Ayr, Home Hill, Charters Towers, Ingham, Palm Island (Joyce Palmer Health Service), Hughenden, and Richmond.
Graduate positions on offer across health service groups including medical, surgical, mental health, rural, aged care, and women’s and children’s. Click here for information on the wards.

Graduate nurses and midwives are supported by a dedicated team of nurse educators and clinical integrators who facilitate their transition into independent practitioners.

Graduates are offered a comprehensive two-week orientation program featuring hands-on sessions and opportunities to build connections with their peers. Graduates will also spend time in their clinical areas, meeting their colleagues and touring the facility.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service is committed to providing graduates with an exceptional start to their nursing and midwifery careers.

Our graduates get

• Permanent employment within the Townsville HHS,
• Specialised education forums,
• Opportunities for reflection with their peers,
• Opportunities for reflection with their peers,
• At the elbow upport from the clinical integration team,
• Preceptorship & mentoring in the clinical space,
• Continued career advancement opportunities on completion of the program,
• Two units of credit offered on a variety of Central Queensland University’s (CQU) Graduate Certificates with specified majors when completed concurrently with the graduate program*.

*credit application is subject to the completion of the requirements of the THHS graduate program.

Our graduate team promotes autonomy, competence, and confidence in independent practice.

The team consists of a nurse educator and clinical integrators who work with clinical leads in wards and units to ensure graduates are well supported personally and professionally through their clinical practice.

Each graduate is paired with a clinical partner or mentor who will guide and support them during the program.

Our educators and mentors collaborate with graduates to plan their career paths, guiding them towards achieving their professional goals. Townsville Hospital and Health Service provides abundant opportunities for career advancement, inviting graduates to embark on their nursing/midwifery career in North Queensland.

Nurse educators
Townsville Hospital and Health Service has nurse educators who are responsible for the coordination and management of the graduate program. They provide support and guidance to graduate nurses/midwives. The nurse educators work collaboratively with managers to facilitate the graduate program.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service graduate nurse and midwifery program has nurse educators who play a pivotal role in championing the success of our graduate nurses and midwives. They are committed to providing personalised support and expert guidance, working collaboratively with unit managers to ensure a seamless and enriching experience throughout the graduate program.

Clinical integrators
The clinical integration team provides at the elbow support to graduates, promoting independence for the delivery of safe, patient-centred care. Comprising experienced nurses, clinical integrators can assist with time management, clinical education, patient care, and invaluable guidance. Available Monday to Sunday 0700hrs to 1800hrs, they ensure ongoing support throughout the week.

Clinical partner/preceptor
Each graduate is assigned a dedicated clinical partner or preceptor that is ward/unit based. This mentor serves as a vital resource and support contact, assisting with orientation to the clinical area during the initial months, throughout the program.

The first step in your health career, is here.

If you would like to start your nursing or midwifery career at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, you can apply to our graduate program through the Queensland Health graduate portal and select Townsville as your location preference.