Nursing programs
There are two programs for nursing at CAHS that help nurses who have recently graduated or are moving from adult to paediatric nursing find their feet in children's nursing at CAHS.
These are the Nursing Transition to Practice program for newly qualified nurses and the Introduction to Infant, Paediatric and Adolescent Nursing program for adult to paediatric nurses.
Nursing Transition to Practice program
CAHS Graduate Nursing Transition to Practice Programs provide a supportive learning environment to enable the newly qualified nurse to evolve their practice to the level of a confident, competent registered nurse.
Under the CAHS Graduate Nursing Transition to Practice program, we have three program streams and offer positions across:
- Perth Children's Hospital and Neonatology
- Community Health
- Mental Health (CAMHS)
“The graduate program has given me a strong foundation for my future nursing career and my experiences have strengthened my communication skills as well as my ability to advocate for children and their families.” - Edwina, Perioperative Graduate Nurse
Read the testimonials from nurses who have participated in our programs.
Program objectives
Support transition of a newly qualified nurse to the role of a Registered Nurse at CAHS by:
- Developing and consolidate their clinical, critical thinking and communication skills.
- Promoting personal self-confidence to help cope with stressful situations in the workplace.
- Promoting development of partnerships that support teamwork and collaborative relationships between the nurse, the organisation and consumers.
- Promoting a focus on professionalism and accountability through:
- Maintaining a focus on patient safety and best practice.
- Networking and collegiate support.
- Familiarisation with CAHS policies and procedures.
Our program
Our program offers positions in one of three program streams, with clinical rotations across acute, ambulatory and/ or community settings including medical, peri-operative, mental health and community health.
Graduate nurses will be provided a bespoke orientation that will enhance their role development, reflective practice and clinical knowledge. This includes supernumerary time at the beginning of each new clinical rotation.
The program is structured to provide a variety of point of care learning opportunities, clinical hours, tutorials and study days aimed at developing clinical excellence within a safe and supportive environment.
Graduate nurses are supported throughout the program by the Nurse Educator - Transition to Practice Program, Clinical Nurse Manager, Staff Development Nurse and senior staff within the clinical area.
How to apply
Recruitment for the 12-month program occurs annually through GradConnect, the WA Department of Health’s centralised graduate recruitment website.
For more information
If you have any questions, please contact 6456 0515 or CAHS.NursingTransitiontoPracticeProgram@health.wa.gov.au
Find out more about our PCH and Neonatology, Community Health, and Mental Health streams:
The Transition to Practice Program - Perth Children's Hospital and Neonatology Stream is a 56-week program.
This program stream offers a unique opportunity for newly qualified nurses to receive specialised training and education focussing on the development of knowledge and skills in the acute paediatric setting. The program stream offers clinical rotations across acute, ambulatory, medical and surgical services.
Program details:
- 56-week duration
- Two six-month clinical rotations
- Eight shifts per fortnight
- Orientation
- Two-week supernumerary period
- Six study days
- Strive and simulation forums
- Dedicated TTPP team
Clinical rotations may include:
- PCH Acute Services (ED, Theatre, Day Treatment Unit, Medical/Surgical Wards)
- Neonatology Services (PCH neonatal ward and King Edward Memorial Hospital)
- Speciality Services (Immunology, Cardiology, Dermatology and Paediatric Rehab)
The Transition to Practice Program – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Stream is a 56-week program.
This program stream offers a unique opportunity for newly qualified nurses to receive specialised training and education focussing on the development of knowledge and skills in the nursing specialty of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. The program stream offers clinical rotations in both Acute and Specialised CAMHS.
The successful applicant will enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Mental Health with Edith Cowan University and be encouraged and supported to complete the certificate during the program.
Scholarships are available from the Chief Nursing and Nursing Office to support progression through the course.
Program details
- 56-week duration
- Two six-month clinical rotations – Acute and Specialised
- Eight shifts per fortnight
- Rotational roster (Mon – Sun) or clinic hours (Mon – Fri)
- Orientation and Specialised Clinical Skills Training
- Two-week supernumerary period
- 10 study days
- Dedicated TTPP Nurse Educator
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health (ECU)
Rotations may include
- Ward 5A, Mental Health Inpatient Unit
- Eating Disorders Program
- CAMHS Crisis Connect
- Touchstone
- Pathways
- Acute Care Response Team
The Transition to Practice Program - Community Health stream is a 12-month program in community health nursing.
This program stream offers a unique opportunity for newly qualified nurses to receive specialised training and education focussing on the development of knowledge and skills in the nursing specialty of Child and Adolescent Community Health. The program offers placements in both primary school health and child health.
The successful applicant will enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Health Nursing with Curtin University and be encouraged and supported to complete the certificate during the 12-month program schedule. Scholarships are available from the Chief Nursing and Nursing Office to support progression through the course.
Program details
- 12-month Transition to Practice program (February intake only)
- Eight working days per fortnight
- Work across a variety of community health settings
- Orientation and Specialised Clinical Skills Training
- Eight study days
- Dedicated TTPP team
- Postgraduate Certificate in Child and Adolescent Health Nursing Specialisation
Rotations include
- Primary School Health
- Child Health
(Applicants must be able to travel across sites and must hold a valid driver’s licence)