Registered Nurse Transition to Practice Program - Perioperative

Step into perioperative nursing with a supported 12-month program designed to build your skills, confidence and career.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time – 12 Months

Position Classification: Registered Nurse

Remuneration: $81,748.17 - $114,771.98 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ686200

Location: Maitland and Kurri Kurri

Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026

About The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for Registered Nurses looking to develop a career in perioperative nursing through a structured 12-month Transition to Practice Program.

As part of the program, you will rotate across the perioperative services at Maitland Hospital and Kurri Kurri Hospital, gaining exposure to a broad range of surgical specialties, clinical environments and perioperative practices. You will be supported throughout the program by experienced Clinical Nurse Educators and perioperative clinicians, with a structured education program, hands-on clinical learning and dedicated support to help you build your knowledge, skills and confidence.

Maitland Hospital

Maitland provides a busy and diverse perioperative environment, with three dedicated learning streams: Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics/Recovery and Pre-Admission Clinic/Day Stay/Recovery.

You will gain experience across a range of specialties including general surgery, urology, paediatrics and anoscopy, while developing your skills across the full range of perioperative nursing responsibilities.

Kurri Kurri Hospital

Kurri Kurri provides a supportive perioperative environment with exposure to ophthalmology, ENT and minor specialty surgery, allowing you to broaden your clinical experience and develop confidence across different procedures and patient groups.

What You Will Be Doing

Throughout the program, you will work alongside experienced perioperative nurses with a dedicated mentor while developing your clinical knowledge and skills across different areas of the theatre environment.

You Will

Participate in structured rotations across perioperative services.Develop skills in Scrub/Scout, Anaesthetics, Recovery. Day Proecdure Unit and Pre-Admission ClinicProvide safe, evidence-based and patient-centred perioperative care.Develop knowledge across a variety of surgical specialties.Work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing staff and the wider multidisciplinary team.Develop your understanding of infection prevention and control, sterile technique and perioperative safety.Participate in education, competency assessments and professional development activities.Build your confidence in clinical decision-making and prioritisation.Contribute to a positive team culture and high standards of patient care.

You will receive ongoing feedback and support throughout the program, helping you progressively develop your clinical capabilities and work towards a rewarding career in perioperative nursing.

About You

We are looking for motivated Registered Nurses who are enthusiastic about developing a career in perioperative nursing and ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of working in a busy theatre environment.

You will ideally be a second-year Registered Nurse or above and bring a genuine interest in learning and developing your perioperative skills.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.A strong commitment to learning and professional development.The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.Strong teamwork, communication and collaboration skills.Effective time management, organisation and prioritisation skills.An understanding of WHS and infection prevention and control principles.A commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and exercising discretion.The ability to adapt to changing clinical environments and priorities.A positive attitude and willingness to learn from experienced perioperative clinicians.A commitment to delivering safe, respectful and patient-centred care.

Previous perioperative experience is not required — this program is designed to provide structured support and development for Registered Nurses looking to establish their career in perioperative nursing.

What We Can Offer You

✅ A 12-month structured Transition to Practice Program.

✅ Experience across a diverse range of surgical specialties.

✅ Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

✅ Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)

✅ 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)

✅ Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance

✅ Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing

✅ Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family

✅ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Additional Information

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.

We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Open Targeting under Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 – Advertisement

Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.

Need more information?

Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Katie Peattie on Katie.Peattie@health.nsw.gov.au

Information For Applicants

This position is full time; however, part time/job share arrangements may also be considered.

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn!