Graduate Nurse Program

St Andrew’s Hospital offers Graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) the opportunity to work in a large private hospital where the breadth of services and case-mix provide a rich learning environment.

Becoming a graduate is an exciting and often daunting time. Our Graduate Nurse Program forms the basis for a successful career in Healthcare as graduates make the transition from student to clinician. We know this is a stressful and often emotional time during which graduates will either re-affirm or change their career goal.

Our Graduate Nurse Program is an important part of our workforce strategy and assists us to ensure we employ the right nurses to fit our culture, help us provide the very best care and service and one day, transition into Nursing Leadership. We look forward to receiving applications from all newly registered nurses and are an equal opportunity employer. 

The Learning and Development team across all clinical areas collaborate to provide the graduate with experiences and training that will see them emerge as an independent practitioner.

For many, this is a time during which invaluable lessons are learned, inspiring mentors are identified, and lifelong friendships are developed.

This program is not affiliated with SA Health. A separate application is required for graduates wanting to be considered for a position at St Andrew's.

2024 Graduate Nurse Program

  • Applications opened Monday 22nd May 2023
  • Applications will close 8am Monday July 10th 2023

Application Instructions

At Andrew's accepts applications from both Australian and international graduating nurses. 

  1. Please read the Application Guide for St Andrew's TPPP BEFORE applying 
  2. Please DOWNLOAD and complete the St Andrew's TPPP Application Form (you may not be able to complete the form until it is downloaded). This is then uploaded within the portal when asked for your cover letter
  3. To apply please use our online submission portal

What last year's Graduate Nurses have said about our program

  • Better than all my expectations, I feel very lucky and blessed to be a part of SAH
  • The Graduate Program has helped me learn so many skills during my first year out in the field
  • The staff in my clinical area have been amazing! They have all made me feel so welcomed, and have helped me grow as an individual. The clinical managers have made sure I am well supported and all my questions and concerns are followed through. The general working environment is happy & pleasant, and I believe I have developed some close connections with many people. 
  • The support was great! Really helped with the transition
  • I received a great amount of support this year, both with expanding my skills and for checkups on my mental & emotional well-being.
  • I received lots of support from the Graduate Coordinator, Ward Manager and Nurses. I will highly recommend friends to apply for an RN job or GNP at St Andrew's.
  • Clinical educators have provided excellent support. They have all extended their ways just to help each graduate in a more individualised tailored approach. Moreover, RNs have been supportive of each graduate nurse in pursuit of learning and honing their knowledge in respective areas of specialties and skills.
  • Staff in the clinical area have been amazing!!! They have been so supportive.
  • Simply put, it has been an outstanding level of support from each and every one that had been involved in helping graduates achieve everything.

Why consider St Andrew's for your TPPP?

  • A supportive environment
  • A full-time Graduate Coordinator
  • Comprehensive orientation and scheduled study days throughout the program
  • Site specific eLearning courses to consolidate knowledge and skills
  • 2 ward rotations OR a 12-month Theatre or Recovery/Anaesthetics or Procedural Suite/DOSA Program
  • Preceptor program
  • Flexible rostering practices, enabling staff to nominate their shift preferences to fit with their personal commitments
  • A range of wellbeing programs and opportunities, including an onsite gym, personalised support for employees experiencing mental health challenges, and opportunities for self-directed personal growth through online wellbeing webinars;
  • A Competitive Enterprise Agreement and pay rates
  • Salary Packaging benefits  
  • Uniform allowance
  • On site, undercover, secure car park for staff
  • Additional learning and development opportunities
  • Scholarships to financially support post-graduate studies following completion of the Graduate Nurse Program;
  • A strong focus on supporting the physical and mental health and safety of our workforce through dedicated WHS specialists, programs and locally based staff Health and Safety Representatives in all areas.

    What our patients have said about our Graduate Nurses

    • I would HIGHLY like to thank the graduate nurse who showed a great level of professionalism to ensure my overall care whilst I was a patient at St Andrew’s. NOTHING was too much trouble for her, she would always greet me with a friendly smile and would go above & beyond to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed to make my time a pleasurable one. I can see  her going far within her nursing career and wish her all the best for the future.
    • I recently spent a night in the Critical Care Unit – I would like to tell you how impressed I was with the graduate nurse who cared for me – she was kind, efficient, most reassuring & diligent. Let her know how much I appreciated her professionalism and cheery manner 

        Transition to Professional Practice

          • The program is 52 weeks that flows on into ongoing permanent employment
          • Start dates in late January and mid-March 2024
          • Commences with a comprehensive hospital and area orientation over the first 2 weeks
          • Learning is enhanced through additional supernumerary study days
          • Accrued annual leave can be taken throughout the year
          • Contracted hours are negotiable, usually 60-67.5 hours per fortnight with the ability to work up to full - time (75 hours)
          • All graduates will be offered a permanent ongoing contract at the time of employment that continues at the end of the program   

          Contact us:

          If you have any questions about the program at St Andrew's, please email us:

          alison.sarles@stand.org.au or kerry.holm@stand.org.au