Registered Nurse - Mental Health
Whether you're an experienced mental health nurse or brand new to the specialty, we’ll give you the tools, training, and team environment to grow and succeed.
Employment Type: Permanent Full/Part Time, Temporary Full/Part Time and Casual - choose what suits you
Position Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $36.38 - $51.08 Per Hour + 12% Super + Allowances
Hours Per Week: Up to 38
Requisition ID: REQ590445
Applications Close: Monday, 1st September 2025
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis
Location Options: Whether you’re seeking the lifestyle of a coastal town or the connection of a rural community, we have a role that’s right for you:
📍 Newcastle (Mater Mental Health, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Nexus), Morisset, Maitland, Taree*, Tamworth*, Armidale* (*rural incentives apply).
Grow Your Career in Mental Health Nursing - Where It Suits You
Whether you’re an experienced mental health nurse or just starting your journey in the specialty, we’ll set you up for success with the training, support, and team culture you need to thrive.
Choose your path, choose your lifestyle:
From the beaches of Newcastle, to the community spirit of Maitland, to the wide-open spaces of Tamworth, Armidale, or Taree – we have roles that match your lifestyle. Whether you want the energy of a bustling city or the connection of a rural town, there’s a place for you here.
What we offer you:
Rural incentives of up to $10,000 in your first year (location dependent*)
Employment options that work for you – Permanent, Temporary, or Casual
Relocation assistance to make your move easy
Salary packaging (up to $9,009 + $2,650 meals & entertainment)
Six weeks’ annual leave + Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
Up to 14 weeks’ paid parental leave
Fitness Passport discounts for the whole family
Why you’ll love working with us:
You’ll join a team that genuinely cares about each other and the communities we serve. As Katherine, Deputy Director of Mental Health Nursing, shares:
"Our passionate and supportive teams offer strong camaraderie, lifelong friendships, and genuine career growth."
Here, you’ll find:
✅ A diverse and rewarding career working across all life stages – children, adolescents, adults, and older persons
✅ Ongoing training, clinical supervision, and leadership support
✅ A multicultural team culture that values inclusivity and collaboration
✅ Flexible contracts that fit your lifestyle
New to Mental Health Nursing? We’ve got you covered.
We’ll provide a structured, supportive start including:
A four-day introductory course to build your foundations in mental health
Supernumerary days with ward-based mentorship
On-shift support from educators
Online learning co-designed with clinicians and people with lived experience
What you’ll need:
AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
NSW Driver’s Licence (or willingness to obtain)
Valid work rights in Australia (we’re unable to offer sponsorship for this role)
This is your opportunity to shape a career in mental health nursing, with the flexibility, support, and community you need to thrive.
Apply now and find the role that fits your life.
For more information
- Click here for the Position Description
- Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Katherine Price on Katherine.Price@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
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.
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 employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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