Recruitment for graduate nurse positions in the Department of Health and Human Services will start next month, the Minister for Health, Michelle O'Byrne, said today.

Final year UTAS nursing students will be able to apply for positions online via the DHHS website from 5 -14 September for early 2013 positions.

"Recruitment for DHHS positions will open in early September - a month earlier than last year," Ms O'Byrne said.

"We are keeping students informed and updated as more information becomes available about the recruitment campaign.

"As part of that commitment, information sessions will be held at the Mersey Community Hospital on 21 August, the Launceston General Hospital on 30 August and the Royal Hobart Hospital on 5 September.

"People who cannot attend will not be disadvantaged and you can still find the information on the DHHS website."

Ms O'Byrne said the Tasmanian Government was committed to helping as many new graduate nurses as possible find employment within the three Tasmanian Health Organisations (THOs) and Statewide and Mental Health Services.

"The exact number of positions is still being determined as the THOs and Statewide and Mental Health Services work to identify as many positions as possible," she said.

"The number of graduate nurses appointed must take into account the skill mix and support requirements of each clinical setting.

"The process for offering new places is a complex one and the number of positions fluctuates from year to year.

"There was a surge in the number of positions available in 2009- 2011 mainly due to an increase in the number of vacancies which became available during that time.

"DHHS is returning the number of new graduate nurses appointed to a sustainable level but we will continue to offer as many positions as possible.

"That commitment is reflected in the fact that the clinical areas exceeded the 2012 target of 98 positions across the year, with 113 new graduates appointed."

Ms O'Byrne said final year UTAS nursing students had a range of options open to them after graduation.

"As in previous years some graduates seek positions within the DHHS while others choose to secure opportunities within private hospitals, private practices, aged and community care, private mental health facilities and interstate," she said.

"Historically, some nurses have also chosen to undertake additional nursing studies while others have sought experiences overseas."

Up-to-date information on the Transition to Practice process is available on the DHHS website at: www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/career/home/nurses2/education/rntp

Information Sessions

North        

        Date:  Thursday 30 August 2012

        Time:   2:30 - 3:30 pm

        Venue:  Nursing Education Unit, Level 2, Launceston General Hospital

North West 

        Date:  Tuesday 21 August 2012

        Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm

        Venue:  2D Classroom, 2nd floor, Mersey Community Hospital

South

        Date:  Wednesday 5 September 2012

        Time:  1:00 - 2:00 pm

Venue: Keith Millingen Lecture Theatre, Clinical School, Collins Street, Hobart