Registered Nurse - Transition to Specialty Mental Health
Take the first step into a meaningful career in mental health nursing—join our supportive community team in Lake Macquarie or Newcastle and grow with our Transition to Mental Health Nursing program.
Employment Type: Temporary Full Time Until June 2026
Position Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $72,152.53 - $101,299.48 Per Annum + 11.5% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ569929
Location: Lake Macquarie Community Mental Health Centre or Newcastle Community Mental Health Centre
Closing: Sunday, 18th May 2025
Ever thought about a career in mental health nursing? Now’s your chance.
Live, work, and thrive in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle – where your lifestyle and career come together.
Mental health nursing is a dynamic and meaningful career path. If you’ve ever been curious about specialising in this area, our transition program is designed just for you. You’ll be guided every step of the way as you develop the skills and confidence to care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, all while being backed by a passionate and experienced team.
This is more than just a job, it’s a supported entry into a vital and growing specialty. As a Transition to Mental Health Nurse, you’ll:
- Work alongside experienced mental health professionals in a community setting
- Receive dedicated orientation and structured development in mental health care
- Build confidence in delivering person-centred, trauma-informed care
- Develop skills in therapeutic engagement, risk assessment, and recovery planning
- Participate in clinical supervision and mentoring tailored to your learning needs
What we offer:
- A structured transition program with specialist support
- Comprehensive orientation and onboarding
- Ongoing professional development and mental health training
- Regular clinical supervision and mentoring
- A positive, team-based workplace culture
- Paid parental leave (for eligible employees)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and their families
- Accrued Day Off (ADO) each month for full-time employees or other flexible arrangements such as nine day fortnights
- 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
- Salary packaging – up to $9k for living expenses + $2.6k meals/entertainment + novated leasing
- Fitness Passport access
Why Lake Macquarie and Newcastle?
Think surf before shift, hikes after handover, and weekends filled with coastal adventures, food festivals, and live music. Newcastle offers the ideal blend of laid-back lifestyle and urban convenience:
- Stunning beaches, coastal walks, and national parks
- Vibrant arts, food, and music scenes
- Affordable living and great schools
- Just 2 hours to Sydney by train or car
About you:
- Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
- A genuine interest in developing a career in mental health
- Compassionate, open-minded, and adaptable
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment
Whether you're an early-career nurse or someone looking to branch into mental health, this is your opportunity to build a purposeful career with real impact, while living in one of Australia’s most liveable cities.
Come for the transition. Stay for the community. Grow into the specialty.
Apply now and start your mental health nursing journey with us at Charlestown. An eligibility list will be created which can be utilised for similar roles across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens roles.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Megan Cathcart on Megan.Cathcart@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact Rebecca.Caldwell@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
To be eligible for employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport, or hold an appropriate visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. Employment of a temporary visa holder will only be offered in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies.
