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Graduate Youth Mental Health Nurse Program 2026
Orygen Specialist Program (OSP)
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

• A program for recently qualified Registered Nurses interested in pursuing a career in youth mental health nursing
• 24-month program commencing Monday February 2, 2026
• Part-time positions at 0.8 EFT (8 shifts per fortnight)

About The Royal Melbourne Hospital:

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) part of the Parkville Precinct and is one of Australia's leading public hospitals, providing a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical, and mental health services, as well as rehabilitation, aged care, specialist clinics and community programs.

Orygen Specialist Program (OSP) is a leading youth mental health service in Victoria, providing innovative and evidence-based care to young people experiencing or at risk of developing mental ill-health. Our services span acute, subacute, and community-based settings, with a strong focus on early intervention and recovery-oriented care. OSP delivers person-centred, developmentally appropriate care, treatment, and support through a multidisciplinary team of skilled clinicians and Lived and Living Experience (LLE) youth and family peer workers. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and high-quality mental health services specifically tailored to the unique needs of young people.

RMH is currently recruiting for the Graduate Youth Mental Health Nurse Program 2026 on behalf of the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service (PYMHWS). This role will officially transition to PYMHWS on 1 July 2025.

Established in July 2024, PYMHWS is a newly created public health service, the first of its kind in Australia, dedicated to the provision of mental health and wellbeing services to young people aged 12 to 25 with complex mental illness in the north and west of metropolitan Melbourne.

Benefits of working at RMH:

• Salary packaging options, earn up to $12,000 tax free earnings!
• 5 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) plus leave loading
• Discounted gyms and health centre access with Fitness Passport
• Career progression opportunities to suit your professional development goals

Graduate Youth Mental Health Nurse Program (GYMHNP):

Our Graduate Youth Mental Health Nurse Program offers a dedicated education and clinical development pathway to support newly qualified nurses in building a career in youth mental health nursing.

The OSP Graduate Program provides:

• A professional and supportive environment for recently qualified Registered Nurses
• A 24-month part-time program (0.8 EFT) starting February 2, 2026
• The opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies in Mental Health Nursing in the second year
• Clinical rotations across a range of youth mental health services, including inpatient, outpatient, and community settings

The OSP Graduate Youth Mental Health Nurse Program supports your transition into mental health nursing by providing:

• Exposure to diverse clinical settings focused on youth mental health
• Opportunities to consolidate and expand both theoretical and clinical skills
• Practical experience in applying general nursing skills within the framework of holistic, youth-focused care
• Clinical skill development in mental state assessments, risk assessments, care planning and therapeutic engagement with young people, careers, family and kin. 
• Mentorship and support from experienced youth mental health nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues
• Structured professional development activities and skill consolidation periods
• Assistance with enrolling in and completing postgraduate mental health nursing qualifications
• The foundation for a rewarding career as a specialist youth mental health nurse

Your New Team:

Join a program committed to shaping the next generation of mental health nurses. Work alongside passionate graduates and experienced staff in a forward-thinking, supportive environment that values innovation, inclusion, and youth-focused care.

Your Contribution:

• Registered with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse at least two weeks before the program commences
• Interest in developing skills in youth mental health care
• Willingness to learn core clinical skills including mental state and risk assessments, and collaborative care planning with young people
• Knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) and youth mental health policies
• Commitment to professional development and excellence in nursing practice
• Understanding of ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities as a registered nurse
• Respect for the unique needs and experiences of young people and their families
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Interested?

To apply, please complete the application and provide your:

1. Cover Letter
2. Certified Academic Transcript
3. 2 x certified copies of ANSAT Reports (with at least 1 x report being from mental health placement where possible)

To view the full Position Description, please click HERE.

Our Commitment to You

Orygen Specialist Program acknowledges and respects the cultures of First Nations peoples and is committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment for staff, young people, and families. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.

Please note, recruitment is ongoing, with interviews commencing as soon as suitable applications are received. Advertising may cease prior to the closing date.

All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Record Check and Working With Children Check. All RMH employees are required to provide evidence of an immunisation assessment.

The RMH stands in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work and care. We are proud to be a workplace that champions diversity, inclusion and equality for our staff and our community.  Our goal is for our people to feel safe, included and supported so that they can be at their best every single day. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies, and will consider adjustments to support such applications.