Job Description

Mental Health Transition to Practice Program - RPN2
Applications close 12 April 2026
• Transition to Practice Program for Registered Nurses seeking to move into Mental Health Nursing
• Multiple ongoing Full-time or Part-time (0.8) positions available
• 12-month supported program commencing in June 2026
• Extensive investment in facilities and people supporting our significant service expansion
A culture where people care
A career in the forensic mental health sector is diverse, challenging and rewarding. A career at Forensicare will be like no other. If you’re passionate about supporting people in their mental health recovery, Forensicare is where you need to be. You will be a part of a caring and supportive team, making a real difference to people living with the dual stigma of mental illness and offending. We approach our work with curiosity and a commitment to understanding the unique needs of our consumers and carers. Working across community, hospital and prison settings, you can learn, apply your specialist skills and advance in your profession. Together, we can contribute to a more connected, compassionate mental health and criminal justice system.
Job location
Thomas Embling Hospital, located in Fairfield just 15 minutes north of the Melbourne city centre. Due to expansion, we have a need for experienced like-minded professionals to join our team. Thomas Embling Hospital is a secure Mental Health, currently 134 bed hospital providing acute, rehabilitation, and continuing care programs. The expansion will significantly increase access to care; we will have a dedicated Women’s service and an additional medium secure men’s facility. Now is the time to join us!
About the Role:
The Mental Health Transition to Practice program is an integral part of Forensicare in our commitment to develop our future workforce. This 12-month structured program is tailored towards supporting experienced Registered Nurses move into the profession of Mental Health Nursing. The program incorporates clinical experience, education and support with post-graduate qualifications to assist Registered Nurses to develop core skills, knowledge and competency as a Mental Health Nurse. During the program you will get opportunities to work across various clinical areas, supported by clinical nurse educators, in addition to allocated education days and paid study leave.
If you are a Registered Nurse who wants to pursue a career in this specialist area of forensic mental health nursing, this program offers a pathway to prepare you for ongoing employment opportunities in mental health nursing.
Duties:
• Applies to practice the recognised nursing competencies and psychiatric nursing standards of practice.
• Uses an evidence-based practice and recovery orientated approach to nursing
• Develops skills to undertake comprehensive nursing assessments of patients, plans, implements and evaluates initial and ongoing risk assessment and care of consumers
• Works within and ethically and legally sound framework
• Enrol in and complete academic requirements in obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
• Meet all program, clinical and academic requirements and expectations as outlined as part of the Mental Health Transition to Practice Program
About You:
• A current practicing certificate in nursing issued by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation (AHPRA)
• An understanding of health assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing interventions
• Commitment to mental health consumer recovery
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to practice collaboratively and effectively within a team, displaying high professional conduct and reliability
• Dedicated commitment to evidence-based practice with High motivation and willingness to learn, including obtaining post graduate tertiary education in Mental Health Nursing
• An awareness of organisational purpose
What you need:
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulations Agency (AHPRA).
• Registered Nurse with at least 2 years clinical experience
• or Registered Nurse with mental health experience with no post graduate qualification in mental health nursing.
• The successful candidate will be required to register their qualifications on eCredentials

A culture where people matter.
• Excellent supervision and investment in the skill development of all our team members.
• Well defined career pathways existing across our Directorates with multi-disciplined Teams.
• Salary Packaging Options available – Mortgage, Rent, Car, Expenses
• $2650 meal allowance per annum
• Fitness passport – discounted unparalleled access to a wide range of fitness centres.
• Social Club, access to discounted cinema tickets, AFL games, Zoos, Concerts etc
• A leading, multi-faceted approach to safety, with unparalleled strategic, practical, individualised and team-based supports to minimise risks and fear and maximise safety and security, underpinned by our workplace health and safety strategy.
• Celebration and reward for good performance, through employee recognition.
• Access to an employee assistance program – an external, confidential, self-referral employee wellbeing program, for personal or work-related matters.
• A mental health and wellbeing program providing psychological, peer support and critical incidence response programs.
Ready to Apply
To access a detailed position description, please click Nursing - Transition to Practice Post Graduate Program.pdf

Or for more information on Careers at Forensicare, visit https://www.forensicare.vic.gov.au/careers

For further information on the Mental Health Transition to Practice Program, contact graduatenurseprogram@forensicare.vic,gov.au

Please Note - Applications will be reviewed and interviewed as they are received. Advertising may close earlier than indicated.

Eligibility
• Influenza and Immunisation Evidence
• This position is subject to a Police Check

Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and developing a diverse workforce which reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTQI, people with a lived experience of disability, as well as people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Forensicare promotes our guiding principles of RESPECT, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, HUMAN RIGHTS; and promotes behaviours that are consistent with these values at all times. Forensicare is an equal opportunity employer and offers a smoke free environment.