Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program

The Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is a comprehensive 12‑month professional development pathway designed for newly graduated Registered Nurses who wish to begin their careers in mental health nursing. According to the official program page, St Vincent’s Mental Health provides specialist treatment and support to individuals experiencing serious mental illness across the cities of Yarra and Boroondara, offering graduates a rich and diverse clinical environment in which to learn and grow. The program is structured to help new nurses transition confidently into mental health practice through a combination of clinical rotations, academic learning, and structured supervision.

Graduates rotate across multiple mental health service areas, including Adult Acute Inpatient Services (AIS), community mental health clinics, Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services, group programs, and older adult mental health units. Every participant is assigned a preceptor for each rotation, ensuring consistent guidance and support. The Mental Health Education Team and Graduate Support Nurse also provide ongoing supervision to help nurses integrate theoretical knowledge into real‑world clinical practice.

The academic component includes more than 20 study days, case presentations, clinical competencies, and four major assessments tailored to each nurse’s clinical placement. Successful completion of the program provides Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) toward a postgraduate diploma in mental health nursing, enabling graduates to continue their professional development with advanced standing in partnered university programs.

St Vincent’s highlights its values‑driven culture, supportive learning environment, and commitment to helping nurses become capable, compassionate mental health clinicians. The program is currently recruiting for its 2026 intake through the PMCV Match, with additional opportunities for non‑PMCV applicants to join a mailing list for future vacancies.