🚂｜Interstate GNP Explorer #1｜Your Grad Year in ACT – Canberra Health Services
- DOKE Talent
- Jul 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Are you a final-year nursing or midwifery student, or a recent graduate ready to take the leap into your professional journey?
The Canberra Health Services (CHS) Transition to Practice Program (TTPP) is a comprehensive, supportive, and flexible 12-month graduate program that helps Enrolled and Registered Nurses confidently transition into the workforce.
Whether you’re seeking diverse general clinical experience or hoping to begin your career in a specialised area like ICU, Emergency, or Neonatal care — CHS has a program for you.
👩⚕️ What Is the TTPP?
The Transition to Practice Program supports graduates with:
Two six-month clinical rotations OR entry into a specialist foundation program (RNs only)
A thorough orientation and supernumerary days
Part-time or full-time employment options
Graduate rostering that supports ongoing learning
Structured study days and free access to ongoing education
A dedicated team of Clinical Development Nurses (CDNs) offering on-the-ground support
Permanent employment opportunities post-program
🔑 It’s a program that doesn’t just help you "survive" your first year – it helps you thrive.
🌟 Specialist Programs Available for Graduate RNs
What makes CHS particularly unique is its Graduate Specialist Foundation Programs, which run alongside the graduate year. These programs are ideal for individuals who want to start building expertise in a specific area from the outset.
📌 To be eligible, you must first apply for the Graduate Program.
Intakes vary and are advertised year-round on the CHS Careers Page.
Specialist Programs include:
Intensive Care Foundations Program
Emergency Department Foundations Program
Paediatric Nursing Program
Neonatal Foundations Program
Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services (MHJHADS)
Perioperative Foundations Program
🏥 Graduate Nursing & Midwifery Programs
CHS offers two streams:
Canberra Hospital Campus – Rotations may include University of Canberra Hospital, Alexander Maconochie Centre, Dhulwa Secure Mental Health Unit, and community-based services.
North Canberra Hospital Campus – Includes Clare Holland House and affiliated services.
For midwives, the Graduate Midwifery Program spans across birthing suites, antenatal clinics, postnatal care, and specialised women’s health units.
Each program includes mentorship, full-day education sessions, and postgraduate support.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You must:
Be completing (or have completed) your Diploma of Nursing (ENs) or Bachelor of Nursing/Midwifery (RNs/RMs) between a certain period
Be registered (or eligible to register) with AHPRA before program commencement
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or NZ citizen/temporary resident with full working rights
📝 Application Process (based on previous year intake – subject to change)
Applications typically open in June and must be submitted via the CHS Careers Portal. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted.
You’ll need to provide:
Video submission answering the selection criteria→ This video replaces a formal interview→ Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Curriculum Vitae
Academic transcript (PDF printouts accepted)
One clinical referee report (template downloadable from the CHS website)
⚠️ File size limit: 1MB per document – compress before uploading.
💬 A contact officer is available to assist if you experience difficulties with video submissions.
💡 Tips for the Video Submission
✔️ Avoid generic statements like “I am a good communicator.”
✔️ Use specific clinical examples that demonstrate your knowledge and action
✔️ Focus on recent, relevant, and impactful situations
✔️ Prepare your STAR responses ahead of filming
🎁 What Are the Benefits?
CHS offers generous employee benefits to graduates:
7 weeks annual leave + monthly ADOs (for FT rotating roster staff)
Salary packaging
Free on-campus parking
Access to CHS library + research databases
Jenny James Research Scholarship (RNs only)
Social Club & Employee Assistance Program
🔮 Looking Ahead to 2026
Even though applications for the 2025 intake are now closed, don’t wait until next year to start planning.
Expected timeline for 2026 applications: July 2025📢
Stay informed via:👉 TTPP Program Info👉 CHS Careers Portal
🧭 Final Thoughts
The CHS graduate programs provide more than clinical experience — they’re your launchpad into a fulfilling, resilient, and impactful career. Whether you’re exploring broad rotations or already drawn to a specialist field, CHS helps you develop skills, confidence, and community from day one.
🎯 Now is the perfect time to:
✔️ Bookmark the application page
✔️ Start building your STAR bank of examples
✔️ Draft your CV and find your referee
✔️ Practise filming your video responses
Your journey to becoming a safe, skilled, and supported nurse or midwife starts here. Be ready when the next opportunity opens — it could be your time to shine.
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