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getting a job without a grad program

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Author getting a job without a grad program

Genie

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  • Joined: Jan 2008
  • Location: Perth WA
  • Posts: 7

Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:11 am

I was wondering if I could get a job in mental health without a graduate program. I have just graduated but didn't apply for any grad program on time. I have not done any major or specialty in mental health at uni, just the standard 2 week prac. However, my main aim of studying nursing was to become a mental health nurse. I am now quite proficient in med/surg nursing because thats all I did at uni. But mental health is another story. I wanted to do a grad diploma or masters in mental health but can't get accepted without a job or experience. What should I do?

Egg

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  • Joined: Jul 2009
  • Location:
  • Posts: 14

Mar 16, 2011, 01:46 am

Ever considered moving to NSW? Bloomfield Hospital in Orange is roughly a 3 1/2 hour drive west of Sydney.
They advertise for nurses who have 'an interest in mental health nursing'.

Registered Nurse - Mental Health, Permanent Full-time
Position Ref No 20897 - Closing Date 08/04/2011
Essentials
1. Registered Nurse with current authority to practice
2. Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills
3. Ability to work effectively in an inter-disciplinary team environment
4. Commitment to further education and professional development
5. Computer literacy skills
6. Understanding of workplace OH&S & EEO principles
7. Interest in Mental Health Nursing
8. Current Licence to drive

Accessed on 16/03/2011
http://www7.health.nsw.gov.au/healthjobs/Default.cfm?ID=1234&ID_HJJobs=103118

The other option...

I had a chat over the phone to University of Wollongong about a year ago and in terms of being accepted into a graduate mental health program it was possible to enrol providing you can negotiate your own clinical placement, this would be best achieved by contacting the placement coordinator at the relevant hospital AFTER you have a chat to a university about whether they would accept clinical placement and/or work experience.

Genie

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  • Joined: Jan 2008
  • Location: Perth WA
  • Posts: 7

Jul 03, 2011, 11:33 pm Last edited Jul 03, 2011, 11:33 pm update #1

Thanks Egg for your reply,

That information was useful.

I have now completed a 12 month graduate program in Queensland, with a 4 month rotation in mental health. So now I am in a similar predicament, I now want to get a job in mental health with only 4 months experience in mental health and about 10 months experience in general nursing. The hospital I work at already has experienced casual mental health nurses looking for permanant jobs. anyway I am looking to do a grad diploma in mental health next year, I might even apply to Bloomfield Hospital.

modified: Sunday 03 July 2011 11:34:52 pm - Genie

Rachel White

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Rachel White
  • Joined: Aug 2011
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Aug 01, 2011, 03:41 pm

Hi Genie

This is the most demanding as well as challenging career. And whenever you'll search for a job, everybody would ask for a grad certificate, because this career needs a lot of responsible behavior. Other challenges involve forming therapeutic relationships with mentally ill people and their families. So a formal intense training is very much necessary. It's better to complete your diploma as soon as possible. Until then you can try for community health care center, day hospital and outpatients department or specialist unit.

Later on after completing the course you can find placement in psychologists and psychiatrists clinic, work as occupational therapists and also as a social worker.

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