Connection to culture is central to the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Care and cultural understanding from an Aboriginal nurse or midwife allow patients to feel safer and advocated for when away from family and community.

Cadetships are available to support your dream of giving back to your community. They offer financial support, work placements and mentoring exposing you to the diverse possibilities of nursing and midwifery. They are a chance to focus on your studies, experience the workforce and build relationships.

About the cadetships

The NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program provides support and assistance to Aboriginal people studying an undergraduate nursing or midwifery degree at university.

Cadetships include:

• a study allowance of $600 per fortnight while studying for 40 weeks
• $500 per semester support allowance
• 12 weeks paid employment in a local public hospital or Justice Health facility
• support from an Aboriginal mentor, cadet coordinator and additional clinical support.
• the possibility of ongoing employment when you successful complete your studies and the program

"The cadetship program went beyond my expectations. The support I recieved while I was a cadet helped guide me through my nursing degree. It gave me the chance to explore different areas of nursing. I'm thankful to have been part of such a great program and encourage all Aboriginal students to apply"

Martin Roberts, proud Wiradjuri man and NSW Health cadetship recipient

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• be known and accepted in the community that you live or have lived
• currently be studying or about to study an undergraduate nursing or midwifery degree at university
• be a resident of NSW (or within 5km of the NSW border)
• not be eligible for an AHPRA registration as a nurse or midwife (EN / RN / RM)

If you do not meet eligibility for the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program, you may be eligible for the NSW Health Undergraduate Scholarship or the NSW Health Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Scholarship.

If you hold a Diploma of Nursing qualification and are studying Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery course, please contact the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Strategy MOH-AboriginalNursing@health.nsw.gov.au

Preparing your application

The application process opens each year during January. As part of the application process, applicants must complete an online application form and provide:

• a cover letter describing:
• why you want to be a nurse or midwife
• why it is important to have Aboriginal people working as nurses and midwives within the NSW public health system
• a statement of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
• a resume
• evidence of full-time enrolment in a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery course
• a copy of results (if applicable)
• Confirmation of Aboriginality stating that you:
• are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and
• are accepted as such in the community where you live

For a guide on what you need to confirm your Aboriginality visit Stepping Up-Aboriginality.

More information

If you would like further information please contact the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery team:
Phone: 1800 155 325
Email: MOH-AboriginalNursing@health.nsw.gov.au​​​​​​​​​​​​​​