Grad positions

[Catastrophic]

and QLD health will NOT employ an RN or midwife without a grad position

Not true :-D Otherwise I don't have a job next year :P Which I do

[Me+him+bub]

mummenurse - WOW! I was given a definate no no and I tried at 4 different public hospitals and even on the casual pool, my facilitator from 3rd year even tried on my behalf, they must have changed things which is great! as I have a few friends still looking so I will let them know! were you an AIN or EEN beforehand? or a straight up new grad? so happy you got a spot though!

[Catastrophic]

It is generally a no-no. I'm just lucky :P I was an AIN a couple of years ago. But nto recently.

[Me+him+bub]

doesn't matter either way! you got a job!

[Mother Goose]

Try not to panic. A lot of hospitals won't take you if you haven't done a Grad year - but it is up to the NUM in the end.

If you are unfortunate enough to miss out on a spot, don't give up hope. As a previous poster said, email all the Grad Coordinators and see if they have a position available. You'd be surprised how many drop out part way through the year. If they don't, contact them monthly.

Have a chat to nursing agencies, there are a few around who offer Grad programs. It's not the ideal way to do your Grad year but it is a foot in the door.

For those of you in Vic, don't forget that some of the Private Hospitals do not use the Computer Match program and you have to apply directly to them (Cabrini is one). Also keep in mind that international students find it much harder to get Grad positions as the hospital misses out on the Govt grant they get for employing a Grad (at least that is the case in Vic).

I know it's stressful but try to not dwell on it too much. Focus on doing as well as you can at Uni, get great clinical reviews, and do your best at interview. Talk to those who have recently gone through Grad interviews to get tips and advice about the hospitals you are interested in. Go to any Nursing Expo's to talk to the hospitals (current Grad's are usually there) and chat to people as well.

Good luck!

MG