NSW Health Nursing and Midwifery Office coordinates recruitment for graduate nurses and midwives. NSW Health local health districts and specialty networks (LHDs/SNs) recruit to their health facilities through the GradStart process.
2021 GradStart recruitment
Important updates
12 July 2020 - For applications where information is pre-populated
A small number of candidates applying to GradStart may have already applied and withdrawn in the previous year. Information provided in last year's application may have pre-populated into this year's application. If this occurs, review your application carefully. Please check that this year's application reflects your current demonstrated knowledge and skills when responding to selection criteria. Also check that the preferences listed in your application are current - you may wish to update them.
15 June 2020 - New link to policy directive about immunisation compliance
Please note the policy directive 'Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases PD2018_009' that is referred to in the GradStart Handbook p. 6, has recently been reviewed and updated to PD2020_017.
5 June 2020 - More information about referees
Guidance around identifying clinical referees for your GradStart application is provided on page 6 of the 2021 GradStart Handbook.
The clinical referee is someone who normally works with you in a supervisory capacity, such as a manager, clinical nurse/midwifery consultant, educator or facilitator.
If any of the above are not options, it is preferable that your identified clinical referee would be a clinical nurse/midwifery specialist or a senior member of staff who has experience working with others in a supervisory capacity and with students.
There is no time limit on when you last worked with the identified referee, so consider previous clinical placements. It is also important to remember that you may update information related to your identified referees at time of interview.
Applications for the NSW Health 2021 GradStart recruitment has now closed.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply to 2021 GradStart you must:
- complete your nursing or midwifery degree between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2021. *
- meet all the requirements to become a registered nurse or registered midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) prior to the agreed date of your employment commencing. **
- hold Australian citizenship or hold a visa that allows ongoing full-time employment in Australia.
* completion means final result received that leads to initial registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM)
** You can start your application for registration with the NMBA up to 6 weeks before completing your studies.
For further information go to the NBMA registration process
Check your eligibility to apply to 2021 GradStart
The 
2021 GradStart Handbook provides detailed information on the application and recruitment process for graduate nursing and midwifery positions in NSW Health. Applicants are encouraged to download a copy of the handbook to review and assist with their application.
A Working With Children Check clearance number for paid work is essential for employment with NSW Health. Apply now for the Working With Children Check (WWCC)
For all employment related enquiries such as specific health facilities, specialty programs, intake dates, interview information/location, please contact the relevant LHD/SN GradStart Coordinators
How to apply to Gradstart
Applicants apply through a centralised application process. The recruitment, selection and employment of graduates is undertaken by local health districts/service networks (LHDs/SNs) and hospitals.
Applications for the NSW Health 2021 GradStart recruitment have now closed.
Edit application
You can edit your online application after submission as many times as you like until applications close at 4pm Monday 13 July 2020. Once applications close you will no longer have access to your application.
Honours students
Students who elect to continue in an Honours Program in 2021, are eligible to apply to GradStart in 2022.
Students who elect to continue in an Honours Program after applying to GradStart 2021, must withdraw from GradStart recruitment prior to interview to remain eligible for GradStart in 2022.
More information
Please check the Handbook first and refer to the FAQs on page 18.
For technical assistance when applications open please contact Customer Service on 1300 679 367 (Option 3).
For other general enquiries email the Nursing and Midwifery Office or call 1800 330 933.
