NSW Health Deployment Program

Are you a nurse, midwife or allied health professional looking for a change?

Short term opportunities in regional, rural or remote NSW could be just what you’re after with accommodation and travel costs covered.

What is the NSW Health Deployment Program?

We offer you the chance to travel and apply your skills and experiences in hospitals or health services where they are most needed.

We are looking for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to work in vibrant and beautiful regions of rural and remote NSW. We will cover your accommodation and travel costs and provide other benefits to ensure you are well supported.

There are two streams under this program: Central Resource Unit (CRU) and Deployment Expression of Interest (EOI). Each with different eligibility, purpose, and deployment conditions.

Stream Central Resource Unit (CRU) Deployment Expression of Interest (EOI)
Who it's for Internal and external applicants Internal NSW Health staff only
Employment type Casual and permanent full-time*
(Permanent FT exclusive to nursing and midwifery)		 Temporary, short-term, short-notice deployment
Purpose Fill planned and ongoing job opportunities across NSW Rapid response to workforce shortages during emergencies
Key features Choose when you want to work, travel opportunities and allowances Support during natural disasters, health crises, or surges in demand
Deployment duration Two-13 weeks at a time Short-term, dependent on the emergency
How to apply Apply through the NSW career site Seek approval from your manager and register via Stafflink

What we offer

  • Two – 13 week opportunities in Australia’s largest health system.
  • Opportunities for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals.
  • Accommodation, travel and other benefits.
  • Endless opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Meeting new people and learning new skills.
  • Exploring NSW and experiencing a change of pace.

Not sure which stream is right for you?

  • You can apply for both. The Deployment EOI is only available to existing NSW Health employees. CRU is open to health professionals who can work casually. Full time permanent positions are also available to registered nurses and midwives.

  • The Deployment EOI is perfect for you. You will be contacted when critical support is needed. Seek approval from your manager and register for Deployment EOI stream.​​

  • Y​es you can.​​​

  • You should apply through the CRU stream.​

Join the webinar

Sign up for our live webinar to learn more about the exciting opportunities available through the NSW Health Deployment Program. Our team will guide you through both streams, application process, key program benefits, and how we can support you.

Available sessions

  • 11 December 2025, 3-3:30pm AEST (strict 30 mins)
  • 15 January 2026, 3-3:30pm AEST (strict 30 mins)

Register for webinar

You can also watch our webinar which was held on 8 May, 2025.

 

Is deployment work right for you?

You will have the opportunity to travel and work for different local health districts and specialty networks across NSW.

This might suit you if you are:

  • looking for a job that provides flexibility
  • seeking new, different and positive environments and experiences
  • wanting a career break but don’t want to lose your professional skills
  • pursuing opportunities for professional development and growth that might not be available in metropolitan areas
  • interested in being in places for short periods of time, with the opportunity to stay for longer
  • curious to know what a role or location is like, but can’t commit to a permanent role.

NSW Health offers career opportunities, variety and mobility, broadening your horizons through unique experiences.

Register for the webinar

Life in the NSW Health Deployment Program

What about accommodation, meals, travel and benefits?

Your accommodation, travel (flights and care hire), meals and some out-of-pocket costs will be paid under the NSW Health Travel Policy. The travel starting point is Sydney.

Where will I stay?

Our team will coordinate travel and accommodation in consultation with the receiving LHD. Accommodation is often located on site.

What about leave and conditions?

Depending on your employment type, you may be eligible for annual, sick and long service leave, please refer to the NSW Health award and conditions.

Apply now

How do we support our staff?

Our Workforce Operational Strategic Unit (WOSU) supports you with a range of resources, benefits and programs to help you make the most of your deployment.

You might also be eligible to access the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme (RHWIS).

There are additional supports available from the NSW Government:

How do I apply?

Opportunities are listed on NSW Health Jobs and are updated regularly. Please type “CRU” into the search bar to see current roles.

StaffLink is only accessible to current NSW Health staff.

If you would like to learn more about the program, or have questions about the recruitment or application process, please join our webinar or email us at MoH-NSWHealthDeploymentProgram@health.nsw.gov.au.

Current opportunities

We are currently recruiting:

  • enrolled nurses
  • registered midwives
  • registered nurses
  • dietitians
  • occupational therapists
  • pharmacists
  • physiotherapists
  • podiatrists
  • radiographers
  • radiation therapists
  • sonographers
  • sonographer cardiac technologists
  • social workers
  • speech pathologists.

Stories from our NSW Health rural workforce

Read these and other first-hand Stories from our deployed staff.​​

Current as at: Friday 14 November 2025
Contact page owner: Workforce Planning and Talent Development