Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program Application Guide
Contents Graduate Nurse Program Framework...3 Eligibility Criteria...3 Submitting an Application...4 Selection Process...4 Frequently Asked Questions...5-7 Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program: Recruitment Process...8 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 Aged Care and Community Nursing. The Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program is a 12-month program. A comprehensive orientation will commence the program, combining both organisational and graduate specific components. At the beginning of each intake, the learning needs of the individual graduate and expected outcomes of the program will be identified. The graduate will have access to clinical preceptorship and supernumerary time, practice opportunities, and access to workshops that will provide the relevant skills and knowledge to achieve these learning outcomes. Formal competency assessment and performance feedback sessions will occur during and at the completion of the program. Participants will be introduced to a variety of work settings which may include Community Care, Residential Aged Care, a clinical speciality service i.e. palliative care, and may be a combination of metropolitan, regional and rural locations. 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 Nurses within Blue Care and of professional development opportunities available to employees of this organisation. 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. 3
Submitting your application When Intake for the Graduate Nurse Program is open, you can submit your application via the Blue Care e-recruitment page. The submission dates and application documents that need to be addressed in your application are outlined here. This will include: A covering letter which specifically addresses the following: A commitment to person centred care and functional independence of the elderly. Insight into your learning needs for transition from student to Registered Nurse Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills Curriculum vitae Completed Expression of interest- Graduate preference form listing you top five locations. (Applications uploaded without this information will not be considered.) This can be found at the end of the document. 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 one of these and describe how you have demonstrated this during your practical nursing experience so far. This reflective piece should be uploaded under interview documents in the application documents section of e-recruit. 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. Questions can be emailed to gnprecruitment@bluecare.org.au Please note that applications will not be received via this email address. 4
Frequently Asked Questions Is Blue Care part of Queensland Health s Graduate Nurse Online Recruitment program? No. The Blue Care Graduate Nurse Program is not associated with Queensland Health s Graduate Nurse Online Recruitment program? 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. Since graduating I have worked as a Registered Nurse, can I still apply? 5
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 interview is an essential component of the Blue Care interview process, however if you are unable to attend an interview in person, phone interviews may be offered on a case by case basis. If you are applying from overseas 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 documentation that must be complete, and outlines all required documents, 6
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 Program, please contact the graduate recruitment team by emailing gnprecruitment@bluecare.org.au Please note that applications will not be received via this email address. 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. Applications without all required documentation, and who do not meet eligibility criteria will be withdrawn. Shortlisted applicants are contacted by the Recruitment Team to attend an interview. Applicants that do not hear from the Recruitment Team have not been successful. Applicants confirm attendance and attend interview. Applicant unsuccessful Employment offers made over phone to successful applicants and asked to confirm in writing (or email). Applicant declines Applicant accepts offer in writing. Letter of Offer and Employment Pack issued. Signed letter returned by due date. 8
Expression of interest- Graduate Preference Form This form must be uploaded with your application under expressions of interest If your preferences are not stated, your application will not be processed. *Please note that while every effort will be made we cannot guarantee that all areas will have a graduate position available. Location Cairns Townsville Bowen Cloncurry Charters towers Ingham Innisfail Mt Isa Emerald Yeppoon Gladstone Mackay Rockhampton Biloela Barcaldine Sunshine Coast Gympie Ipswich and surrounds Bundaberg Hervey bay Maryborough Toowoomba Dalby Roma Kingaroy Murgon Stanthorpe Warwick Gold Coast (including Kingscliff) Brisbane North Brisbane South Preference (1-5) Would you be prepared to move? Y/N Comments: 9
Would you like your application kept on file if further positions become available? Y/N Comments: Would you be interested in 6 month rotations (based on location)? Y/N Comments: Would you be interested in 6 month rotations (community and residential)? Y/N Comments: 10