Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program Application Package
Contents Graduate Nurse Program Framework...2 Submitting an Application...3 Eligibility Criteria...3 Selection Process...3 Frequently Asked Questions...4-7 Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program: Recruitment Process...8 Page 2
Graduate Nurse Program Framework The Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program is designed to assist the recently qualified Registered Nurse during the initial transition period into the Aged Care and Community Health sector. Blue Care will provide an opportunity for new graduates to acquire the skills, knowledge and values to become a successful practitioner in Gerontology and Community Nursing. The Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program is a 12-month program with a twice yearly intake. A comprehensive orientation will commence the program, during which the participants will be allocated a mentor for the duration of the year long program. The participants will be employed in one service stream however will be introduced to a variety of work settings and may include several different geographical locations across Queensland and Northern New South Wales if desired by the graduate. Rotations may include Community Care, Residential Aged Care, a clinical speciality service i.e. Palliative care team, and may be a combination of metropolitan, regional and rural locations. Participant s preferences will try to be accommodated where possible. At the beginning of each intake, the learning needs of the individual graduate and expected outcomes of the program will be identified. Through preceptorship in each area by people trained to undertake that role, supernumerary time, practice opportunities, and access to workshops and in-service education, the new graduate will gain relevant skills and knowledge to achieve learning outcomes. Formal competency assessment and performance feedback sessions will occur during and at the completion of the program. Blue Care also offers the program participants an extensive Head Office orientation week and several supernumerary days in each service stream. Not only this, significant time will be spent allocating a participant s clinical load to their ability to ensure participants feel supported in their orientation to the workforce. Blue Care is committed to providing a graduate nurse program that not only operates within an enthusiastic and supportive working environment, but also demonstrates career opportunities for Registered Nurses within the organisation. On completion of the program, participants will have gained knowledge of career pathways available to Registered Nurse within Blue Care and of professional development opportunities available to employees of this organisation. Applications for permanent employment with Blue Care will be considered in line with the organisational Human Resources policies. Page 3
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for a graduate nurse position you must meet the following criteria: Have completed an undergraduate degree in nursing within the past 12 months or are due to complete the same prior to the start of the program Meet all requirements and eligibility to apply for National Nursing Registration Provide documentation at time of interview supporting Australian Residency status and evidence of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Please refer to the FAQs if you are still unsure if you are eligible to apply. Expressing your interest for the Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program. Please express your interest for the Graduate Nurse Program via the Blue Care e-recruitment centre. When Intake for the Graduate Nurse Program is open you will be notified of the submission dates and selection criteria that need to be addressed in your application This will generally include: A covering letter which specifically addresses the following selection criteria: A commitment to person centred care and functional independence of the elderly. Insight into your learning needs for transition from graduate to Registered Nurse Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills A short written reflective piece (approximately 250 words) on the below topic: Blue Care has five values which are important to our work. These are compassion, respect, justice, working together and leading through learning. Choose two of these and describe how you have demonstrated them during your practical nursing experience so far. Curriculum vitae. Selection Process Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the nominated closing date for applications. Applicants should not expect to be contacted prior to this date. All applications will initially be assessed according to the selection criteria and reflective piece. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by individual facilities/services for interview. Page 4
Please refer to Graduate Nurse Program Recruitment Process Questions can be emailed to gnprecruitment@bluecare.org.au Frequently Asked Questions Is Blue Care part of Queensland Health s Graduate Nurse Online Recruitment program (GNOR)? The Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program is not associated with Queensland Health s Graduate Nurse Online Recruitment program (GNOR). What should I include in my CV and cover letter? Your CV must include: Contact details Education details Qualifications Professional memberships All clinical placement experience/work experience At least two clinical references with contact details including professional email addresses. Your cover letter should: Identify how your skills will benefit Blue Care services and what strengths you will bring to the role Include information that clearly defines your level of education Clarifies which service you are interested in and if you are willing to relocate Identify areas where you excelled, or were particularly interested in pursuing a career Promote the skills you possess to fulfil the job requirement. To whom should I address my application? As your application will be reviewed by several people, please address your cover letter to the Graduate Committee members (e.g. Dear Graduate Nurse Program Committee Members). I am an Enrolled Nurse; can I apply for the graduate program? Blue Care s Graduate Nurse Program is only open to Registered Nurse graduates. I graduated more than 6 months ago, can I still apply? Yes, to be eligible you must have recently completed or completed within the past 12 months an undergraduate degree in nursing; or are due to complete the same prior to the start date for the graduate program. Page 5
Since graduating I have worked as a Registered Nurse, can I still apply? Providing you have no more than 6 months work experience as a Registered Nurse since graduation you can still apply. I applied for the last graduate program at Blue Care, can I still apply? Yes, if you graduated within the past 12 months with a bachelor s degree in nursing; and have no more than 6 months work experience as a Registered Nurse since graduation. I am a student graduating from a university not in Australia, can I apply for the program? Overseas graduates are unable to be considered at this time. I am currently in Australia on a student visa, am I eligible to apply? Applicants must demonstrate full working rights that allow them to work full time, for a 12 month period from the commencement date of the program. Blue Care does not offer sponsorship for its program participants. What happens if I submit a late application? Applications lodged after the closing date will not be accepted. What happens if I am unable to attend an interview? As the face-to-face interview is an essential component of the Blue Care interview process, if you are unable to attend an interview, we are unable to proceed with your application. If you are applying from overseas or interstate you will need to be available in service area of interest at the time of the interview. The Graduate Nurse Program recruitment team will endeavour to contact you at the earliest possible time so that you can organise travel arrangements. How are preferences allocated? If you are a successful applicant, your preferences will be considered. We endeavour to allocate candidates to their preferred service area, but due to limited places in some areas this is not always possible. Can I accept an offer prior to having registration? We are aware that you may require some time to obtain registration prior to starting on the graduate program and the recruitment process is timed to allow registration to be in place prior to the start date. What is a commencement pack? Once you have accepted a position you will be sent a commencement pack from our Human Resources department. The commencement pack includes all Page 6
documentation that must be complete, and outlines all required documents, including: Tax File number declaration form Commencement form Signed letter of offer/employment agreement Diversity Questionnaire Relevant Probity check paperwork Copy of Passport and working rights visa (if applicable) Who do I contact if I have questions about graduate recruitment? If you have any questions about Blue Care s Graduate Nurse Programs please contact the graduate recruitment team by emailing gnprecruitment@bluecare.org.au Page 7
Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program: Recruitment Process. Applicants submit application online close of business on the nominated date. Applications are collected, distributed and assessed for suitability for the Graduate Nurse Program. Shortlisted applicants are contacted by the Recruitment Team to attend an interview. Applications without all required documentation will be withdrawn. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be unable to progress their application. Applicants confirm attendance. Applicants that do not hear from the Recruitment Team have not been successful. Applicants attend interview. Employment offers made over phone to successful applicants. Applicant declines. Applicants asked to confirm in writing (or email) their acceptance of the offer. Applicant accepts offer in writing. Letter of Offer and Employment Pack issued. Applicants that do not accept offer in writing by the due date deemed to have decline the offer. Signed letter returned by due date. Page 8 Declined offers are sent to other applicants.
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