Considering a career in mental health nursing but don’t know how to start? Come and join our transition to mental health nursing program at Barwon Health’s Mental Health Drugs and Alcohol Services! We are seeking Registered Nurses who have a passion for working with people with a lived experience of mental illness and their loved ones to join our 2024 intake of Transition to Mental Health Nurses.

Highlights of the role include:

• A 12 month learning position as a Registered Nurse with 2 x 6 month rotations within the Swanston Centre Acute Inpatient Unit, McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit and the Aged Psychiatry Continuing Care Service.
• Support from the Graduate/Post Graduate/TTMHNP program to assist you with clinical and academic tasks which lead to recognition of prior learning into a Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing (Post-Graduate).
• Years of experience may be considered for higher classification/pay grade in accordance with RPN 2 in the mental health EBA.
• Working in a recovery oriented service.
• A fun and supported workplace that supports your learning and professional development.

About the service

Barwon Health's Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services (MHDAS) are internationally recognised for its innovative clinical programs and integrated models of practice that are client centred, accessible and family inclusive. We are fortunate to enjoy excellent internal relationships and have developed excellent partnerships with the local community that provide for seamless integrated care for our clients.

Swanston Centre (SCA)

The Swanston Centre Acute Unit is a 32 bed acute psychiatric admission unit providing Recovery Orientated care delivery for people aged 18 and over, experiencing the effects of major mental illness/distress. SCA has recently undergone extensive changes with refurbishment to accommodate a new high care area, women’s wing and therapy room that transition nurses will be able to work in.

The McKellar Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit

The Barwon Health 16-bed Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit (MH&WU) at the McKellar Centre represents best practice in mental health service co-design for people aged 50+. Innovative, contemporary, light-filled and directly connected with nature, the unit’s co-design – by consumers, carers, providers and design experts – was developed on foundations of genuine trust, curiosity, passion for change and openness to vulnerability. A person’s mental health, wellbeing and physical health needs will be met through a design and model of care that is very deliberately non-coercive, hope-inspiring and focused on building greater independence, improving quality of life and strengthening community connections.

Aged Psychiatric Community Service

This service is for people over 65 years with existing complex mental illness, those who develop a mental illness later in life and those who have severe behavioural problems associated with dementia. Services include assessment and intervention, case management, outreach and secondary consultation. Those who require additional services to avoid a potential hospital admission may, after discussion with the client and family, be offered an intensive community treatment program.

About the roles

3 positions are available for Registered Nurses to join the Transition to Mental Health Program Nurses (TTMHPNs). You will be employed in a 12 month capacity rotating through the Swanston Centre Inpatient Unit/McKellar Mental Health and the Aged Psychiatry team and join a study program with the MHDAS Education team. TTMHPNs participate in multiple study days with the Entry to Practice Program and complete academic tasks to complement their learning and professional development. Successful completion of the program affords graduates to receive recognition for prior learning into a (Post) Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing.

These positions are due to commence in early February 2024.

However, suitable applicants may be able to commence prior to this date.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development
• Option to purchase additional leave and take leave without pay
• Access to 24/7 employee wellness facility
• Doorstep to the Great Ocean Road, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast
• Attractive salary packaging benefits! Living Expenses capped at $9,010 and includes repayments on mortgages, credit cards, personal loans and rental payments / Meal Entertainment & Accommodation capped at $2,650 and includes food and drink consumed in a social or entertainment settings and some accommodation expenditure

Diversity and Inclusion

At Barwon Health we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where we value each person’s uniqueness. We embrace diverse life experiences and the perspectives of our people, whilst providing high-quality health care to all members of our community, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.

This role must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and meet therequirements of the Barwon Health immunisation policy.

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