Our programs

Our programs offer the unique opportunity to work with remote indigenous communities, in both acute care and primary health care facilities.

Nursing

In our program you'll get the additional support and education to help you transition from university to remote and rural nursing. You'll gain knowledge, confidence and skills in rural and remote clinical practice.

You can work across 4 of our facilities:

You'll have the chance to rotate through 2 placements over your 12 months as a graduate. The specific placements and locations depend on your skillset.

We'll support you with:

  • an intensive orientation program at the beginning of employment
  • an on site preceptor for ongoing support and assistance
  • support from our nurse education team
  • 4 graduate nurse study days throughout the 12 months, and additional professional development opportunities
  • monthly video conference with other graduates and our nurse educator (graduate coordinator).

Midwifery

Our midwifery program builds on your personal and professional skills and knowledge, and helps you transition from university to the registered midwife (RM) role.

You can do 2 clinical placements over a 12 month period.

You'll work throughout the maternity care models of the Thursday Island hospital in both:

  • the Core Maternity Unit for 3 months, working on the maternity ward and Birth Suite
  • Midwifery Group Practice for 9 months, where you'll be working in a continuity care model with support from the maternity team.

The third rotation is optional, and is a 2 week clinical placement in a tertiary special care nursery and neonatal intensive care unit.

We don't currently have a program for people with a dual degree in nursing and midwifery. However, we encourage dual degree graduates to apply. We can support you with professional development in both professions.

Learn about our model of care that's led by our Indigenous health workers.
View transcript

Working and living here

We employ graduates in full time, temporary positions for one year. After this year we encourage you to apply for a permanent position.

You'll have access to the rural nursing pathway, including education, leave, flights, isolation bonus and accommodation.

Most of our furnished accommodation is a private bedroom and bathroom, with shared common areas with 2 others.

You're welcome to look at private housing. However, at most of our sites there is high demand on rental properties and they are very expensive. There is also no financial support for graduates who use private accommodation.

Pets are not allowed at most of our properties.

Find out what it's like to work with us.

How to apply

Recruitment opens in July and ends in August, and we hold interviews in September. Check the How to apply page for the exact dates.

Programs start in March and September.

You'll need to:

  • apply through our graduate portal and meet the requirements of the program
  • be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
  • have received satisfactory clinical placement reports
  • complete a clinical knowledge and behavioural questionnaire.

There's more information about the nursing and midwifery graduate recruitment process on the Queensland Health website.

We encourage you to apply if you're:

  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduate
  • a graduate with ties to Torres Strait and Cape York communities
  • a graduate with prior health care experience.

We reserve the right to accept applications outside of the graduate campaign.

Who to contact

Email the Nursing and Midwifery Education team at TCHHS-Nurse-Education@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: November 2023

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