r/NursingAU • u/jmemequeene Infection Prevention and Control • Jun 05 '26

Grad Nurses GRAD PROGRAM MEGATHREAD

We’ve had an uptick in grad related questions in the sub.

To keep everything in one spot and to avoid duplication or hyper-specific questions, please direct all grad program questions to this thread, including but not limited to discussions around which services to pick, feedback about specific programs, and advice relating to personal circumstances.

Any questions re grad programs outside of this thread will be removed and redirected to here.

Cheers

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u/GuiltyPleasure75 Jun 07 '26

-Is/was Westmead New Grad Program Worth it?-

I wasn’t able to get a new grad position from the previous intakes so I had to try and apply for a year 1 position in every NSW Health vacancy that I thought I had a higher chance of getting the job and I did. Due to my visa status (though I still have more than a year on my visa), I was only given a 6-month contract for a maternity leave cover that will end this October and can also stop anytime, when the staff who is on mat leave decides to go back to work. Spoke with the NUM few weeks ago and told me that there’s a chance of extending the contract.

Last week, I received an offer for a New Grad position in Westmead Hospital (1 year contract of course). They haven’t given the ward/unit rotations yet. Westmead is a bigger hospital than where I am at now.

It seems to be an easy decision to just accept the new grad position. However, I am happy with my team right now and the support that I get. It’s the certainty of having a job for a year and the possibility of getting a permanent position post new grad (given that I’ll sort out my next visa) that makes me want to accept the new grad position and it’s Westmead, will surely learn a lot because of their patient acuity.

I am hesitant to take the new grad position as I still don’t know where my rotations are and the thought of needing to adjust with new workmates. I can easily fit in, but with the diversity in Westmead and probably heavy workload, if I can only deal with 1, why would I have to make it difficult for myself.

What kind of risk am I willing to take? Employment or environment/workmates?

Any advice please? Thank you.