A career in mental health nursing at Canberra Health Services gives you an opportunity to be involved in the care of patients with mental health disorders in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.
See our current vacancies for employment opportunities.
Education support
Canberra is home to three large universities (Australian National University, University of Canberra and Australian Catholic University) which offer numerous opportunities to participate in postgraduate education, teaching and research, which is highly supported.
We coordinate a postgraduate program for registered nurses and provide nurses with the opportunity to contribute to training and education – and influence the development of our nurses of the future.
Postgraduate Registered Nurse Program
Our postgraduate Graduate Certificate in Mental Health offers permanent employment with clinical rotations across a range of services at Canberra Health Services while studying part-time with the University of Canberra.
Program participants are invited to apply for a full nursing education scholarship to cover course fees.
Our Post Graduate Registered Nurse (PGRN) program has a clinical focus and includes:
- a comprehensive orientation
- paid professional development days
- a strong clinical supervision component
- competency based mental health skill development.
You will build on your knowledge and skills in caring for people experiencing a range of mental health conditions and contemporary mental health practice.
The program is an excellent opportunity to accelerate your career development and will provide unique learning opportunities that support a progression to an advanced level of practice.
Application for these scholarships is competitive.
To apply, you will need to:
- have a minimum 12 months’ experience working as a Registered Nurse
- apply and secure a job with Canberra Health Services
- be accepted into the Mental Health Postgraduate Registered Nurse (PGRN) program.
You will be interviewed for both your job and the Post Graduate Registered Nurse program at the same time.
In line with university semesters, there are two opportunities annually to join the program: February and July. Positions are usually advertised in April and October, with interviews in May and November.
For more information please email chs.mhjhadsstaffdevelopment@act.gov.au
Meet our team
Amanda, Nurse Practitioner
‘As a Nurse Practitioner working in the Alcohol and Drug service, I have had amazing support to be an autonomous practitioner. I absolutely love the work I do and get to experience and care for a variety of clients every day.
I have access to ongoing learning and training with generous time off to pursue research and advanced continuous professional development.
I have regular supervision with senior medical and nursing management and have been able to expand my scope of practice to meet the needs of the clients that I see.
I have been with Canberra Health Services for over 10 years and am so grateful to work here.’
Melanie, Registered Nurse
‘Working as the Clinical Nurse Educator in Justice Health Services offers me a unique opportunity to provide nursing education across a broad spectrum of clinical scenarios.
Our clients are complex and varied and may include adults and adolescents, coming in for forensic reasons or for complex and chronic health needs. We also see alcohol and drug dependant clients and acute injuries, illnesses, or emergencies.
The multidisciplinary health and corrections team I work with are highly skilled, passionate and supportive. It is highly rewarding working in such a unique environment and being able to provide education and clinical support to all my colleagues.’