Graduate, refresher, upskilling and post-graduate programs
Details of the following programs may be obtained by contacting the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research.
In addition, programs to meet specific needs may be negotiated through the department.
Programs currently available:
Graduate Midwife Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Graduate Midwife Program (GMP) is to facilitate the transition of beginning level Midwifery practitioners into the workforce. Graduates gain exposure to a variety of clinical settings in a supportive environment, while consolidating theoretical learning, critical clinical skills and judgement.
Who is eligible?
Midwives who have completed their studies after 01 January 2023 and are/will be eligible for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
About the program
The program is designed for midwives in their first year of practice and consists of a 12 month pre-arranged clinical rotation, with paid study days, regular tutorials and clinical support including a mentorship program. Elective clinical placements include:
- Midwifery Group Practice
- Visiting Midwifery Service
- Mother and Baby Unit
- Special Care Nursery
- Emergency Centre
- Adult Special Care Unit
- Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Diabetes Service
- Women and Newborn Drug and Alcohol Service
- Dual Degree graduate placement
- Osborne Park Hospital
- WA Country Health Service
Availability
Recruitment into the program occurs once per year in March for programs commencing in August and January.
Applications
Applications for graduate positions (nursing and midwifery) at WNHS are accepted through the WA Health GradConnect portal (external site).
Graduate Nurse Program
Purpose
The Women and Newborn Health Service (King Edward Memorial Hospital) are offering an opportunity for the newly qualified registered nurse to work within women’s health in our operating theatres, post anaesthetic care unit (PACU), day surgery unit (DSU) and our gynaecology inpatient ward. The aim of the program is to gain introductory perioperative knowledge and skills, enabling safe practice within the perioperative setting as well gaining specific experience within the area of women’s health.
On completion of the Graduate Nurse Program there may be an opportunity to apply for an on-going position at KEMH as well as subsidised post-graduate education.
Who is eligible?
Registered nurses who have completed their studies after 01 January 2023 and are / will be eligible for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
About the program
The Graduate Nurse Program is a 12-month program which includes:
- Rotations through all WNHS Perioperative Specialties including Gynaecology, Gynae-Oncology, Gynae-Urology, Obstetrics and Emergency Theatres.
- Theatre rotations include exposure to laparotomy surgery, laparoscopic surgery, fertility procedures, high risk obstetric surgery along with other specialty surgeries.
- Five paid study/experience days - to enhance role development, reflective practice and clinical knowledge
- Monthly graduate seminars for peer support, clinical and professional development
- Supernumerary clinical days at commencement in each area
- Access to a designated perioperative mentor throughout the program
- Clinical support from the Staff Development Nurses, Specialty Clinical Nurses and Nurse Educator
- Optional 3 month rotation within a WACHS site during their 12-month program
- Opportunity to apply for the WNHS Graduate Nurse Research Internship
WNHS Graduate Nurse Program / WACHS (Perioperative)
The Women and Newborn Health Service (King Edward Memorial Hospital) along with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) are offering an opportunity for the newly qualified registered nurse to gain introductory perioperative knowledge and skills within the metro and country settling through a 12-month graduate program. 6 months will be spent at KEMH operating theatres, post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) and day surgery unit (DSU) within the perioperative women’s health specialties listed above. The additional 6 months will be spent in the rural/remove setting where the graduate will gain exposure to operating theatres, PACU and anaesthetics at their chosen WACHS site.
Availability
Recruitment into the program occurs once per year in March for programs commencing in August and January.
Applications
Applications for graduate positions (nursing and midwifery) at WNHS are accepted through the WA Health GradConnect portal (external site).
Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program
Purpose
Women and Newborn Health Service (King Edward Memorial Hospital) has been offering a Graduate Enrolled Nurse Program since August 2022 to provide newly graduated nurses with the opportunity to work specialist women’s health.
On completion of the Graduate Nurse Program there may be an opportunity to apply for an on-going position at KEMH.
Who is eligible?
Enrolled nurses who have completed their studies after 01 January 2023 and are/will be eligible for registration as an enrolled nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
About the program
The Graduate Nurse Program is a 12-month program which includes:
- rotations through the day surgery unit, outpatient clinics and inpatient gynaecology ward.
- one intake in August each year.
- five paid study days - to enhance role development, reflective practice and clinical knowledge.
- seminars for peer support, clinical and professional development.
- four supernumerary clinical days at commencement in each area.
- clinical support from the Staff Development Nurse/Midwife and Nurse Educator.
Applications
Applications for graduate positions (nursing and midwifery) at WNHS are accepted through the WA Health GradConnect portal (external site).
Mental Health Transition to Practice Program
Visit the NMHS Mental Health Transition to Practice Program (external site) webpage for information.
Midwifery up skilling program
Purpose
The aim of the program is to assist midwives to update and expand their knowledge and skills in identified areas of midwifery practice to benefit both the employing health service and the midwife.
Who is eligible?
Midwives who are currently registered with NMBA and who demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the recency of practice and continuing professional development standards. The applicant needs to have current employment in a WA Department of Health maternity service as a midwife, and written support of his / her employer with an identified need for the organization and the individual.
About the program
The program provides opportunity to expand knowledge and skills in identified areas of midwifery practice.
Duration and preparation
The midwife is offered the opportunity to attend KEMH for two weeks full-time clinical practice. Preparation may include completion of selected self-directed learning.
Applications
Email an expression of interest to the generic DNAMER email address requesting an application for an upskilling placement. A completed application with support by their health service manager and an identified need for both parties is essential. The application must be received at least 3 months prior to the proposed date of attendance. The application will be considered on merit but is not a confirmation of place.
Pre-requisites
- Demonstrated attendance at mandatory education in the previous 12 months.
- Working with children check, police and health clearance.
Fees
WNHS does not charge for this service; however the referring health service and the applicant are responsible for any financial, travel or accommodation expenses incurred. Participants undertaking the program are required to be indemnified by their own public health service. They must work within relevant legislation, organisational polices and guidelines and under the supervision of a midwife preceptor.
Contact us
Midwifery Educator, Return to Practice Programs
Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research
Tel: (08) 6458 3001
Email: kemh.dnamer@health.wa.gov.au
Midwifery Refresher Pathway
Purpose
The purpose of the WA Health Refresher Pathway Connect (RPC) is to support midwives who wish to return to work across the continuum of midwifery practice in the hospital setting, in a paid employment-education model. The midwifery refresher pathway is available to midwives who have been out of clinical midwifery practice in a hospital setting for no more than five years.
Who is eligible?
Midwives who are currently registered with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) (external site) and who can demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the recency of practice and continuing professional development standards to regain employment in midwifery.
About the program
The program is designed to provide the opportunity to refresh midwifery skills in a supportive environment, enabling a smooth transition back into a clinical midwifery setting with confidence and competence.
Application process
Applications for a refresher program are through the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office. More information is available from Refresher pathways – nursing and midwifery (external site)Contact us
Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research
Tel: (08) 6458 3001
Email: kemh.dnamer@health.wa.gov.au
