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The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Mental Health Services
2026 First Nations Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program (FNGMHNP)

• Program for a recently qualified First Nations Registered Nurse interested in pursuing a career in the mental health setting
• 24-month program commencing Monday February 2, 2026
• Part Time position at 0.8 EFT (8 shifts per fortnight)

The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is one of the largest health providers in the state, delivering a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical and mental health services, as well as rehabilitation, aged care, outpatient and community programs. The RMH Mental Health Services (RMH MHS) deliver quality care across the RMH including acute adult inpatient, eating disorders, neuropsychiatry, community care and community programs. The RMH MHS provides person-centred, recovery-oriented care, treatment and support through our multidisciplinary workforce of skilled and dynamic clinicians and Lived and Living Experience (LLE) consumer and carer experts. We are dedicated to providing caring and high-quality specialist community and hospital-based mental health services for adults and older adults who are experiencing or are at risk of developing a serious mental illness.

The RMH First Nations Mental Health Nursing Graduate Program combines the well-established RMH Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program (GMHNP) and the RMH-wide program for entry level clinicians who identify as Aboriginal &/or Torres Strait Islander that aims to ensure that you are supported to succeed and are connected to community and culture. As a First Nations Graduate Nurse you will be able to attend cultural immersion days as well as engaging in the Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program, a specialist education pathway to support nurses’ transition in developing a career in mental health nursing. You will be supported by the Mental Health Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team and the First Nations Health Unit. 

The First Nations Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program (FNGMHNP) offers:

• A professional and supportive program for recently qualified Registered Nurses interested in pursuing a career in the mental health setting
• A 24-month program commencing Monday February 2, 2026
• Part time positions at 0.8 EFT (8 shifts per fortnight)
• The opportunity to undertake Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing studies during the second year
• In the second year of the program you will undertake a clinical rotation in a community mental health setting
• Opportunity to attend cultural events and days of recognition
• Cultural Knowledge development

The RMH MHS First Nations Graduate Mental Health Nursing Program (FNGMHNP) provides you with:

• A professional and supportive development pathway for a recently qualified  First Nations nurses into specialist mental health nursing
• Clinical experience in a variety of mental health settings
• The opportunity to consolidate and build on your theoretical and clinical skills in mental health nursing
• The opportunity to apply and consolidate your general nursing skills as part of the Equally Well Framework
• Clinical skill development to deliver excellence in person-centred care
• The relevant support to become a capable and accountable mental health professional
• Preceptorship and mentoring from experienced mental health nurses and other colleagues
• A range of professional development activities followed by a period of clinical skill consolidation
• Support to undertake postgraduate mental health nursing academic qualifications in the second year of the program
• The clinical experience and skills to prepare you for a career as a specialist mental health nurse

Your New Team: 

If you are passionate and interested in joining a program that offers high quality evidence-based pathway for emerging mental health nurses then come and hone your skills with likeminded graduates in our 2026 Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program. You will have the opportunity to engage with First Nations staff across the Health Care Setting, including the Mental Health Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team and the First Nations Health Unit. 

Your Contribution:

• Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Person
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Registered Nurse at least two weeks prior to the program commencement date
• Awareness of key mental health nursing practices
• Ability to develop skills in risk assessment, mental state assessment and care planning
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act (2022) and other relevant legislation
• Commitment to excellence in mental health nursing practice and continuing professional development
• Understanding of the professional, ethical, legal responsibilities of registered nurses
• Understanding of the importance of compassionate mental health nursing care which focuses on the best possible consumer outcomes
• Well-developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team

To Apply, please download and complete the Application Form, and then submit this with your application.

To view the full Position Description, please click here.

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.