Bupa’s Graduate Nurse Program is the first of its kind in aged care - a structured program of development incorporating professional study days, supernumerary time at care homes, active practice as a Registered Nurse and supportive coaching for experts and peers. The program is run in conjunction with the College of Nursing and also provides candidates with the opportunity to attain a Post Graduate Certificate in Aged Care.

Here’s your chance to become part of a renowned international health and care company by joining one of our two intakes this year.

Here’s your chance to become part of a renowned international health and care company by joining our 2012 Graduate Nurse Program. You’ll have the opportunity to kick start your nursing career within a dynamic and progressive organisation, whilst making a positive difference to the lives of our residents and their families. See what some of our past graduates think of the Graduate Nurse Program and where they are now.

In 2012, we are continuing the program in full force to build your career in Aged Care. We are seeking bright, passionate people to join us in making a difference in the lives of Bupa residents and the team they lead.

How does the program work?

2012 brings two intakes of the Graduate Nurse Program. The first intake commences on 6 February 2012 and the second on 6 August 2012. Both intakes offer 24 places to passionate people who are keen to develop their careers in Aged Care.

Through structured clinical placements, professional study days and ongoing coaching within a supportive environment, we’ll enable you to build your knowledge, skills and career with confidence.

The Bupa Care Graduate Nurse Program focuses on four core development areas:

• Assessment of the Older Person
• Managing Care of the Older Person
• Caring for People with Dementia
• Leadership Development

The learning outcomes of these four areas will be achieved over three placements, each lasting 16 weeks.

You’ll kick off the program with a week long induction in Sydney to welcome you aboard. This will also give you the opportunity to meet the other graduates while learning more about Bupa Care Services and the aged care industry.

At the start of each placement, you’ll meet for four professional study days delivered in partnership with The College of Nursing.

Following the professional study days you’ll return to your Bupa care home to transfer the learning you have acquired during supervised supernumerary time and then active practice as a Registered Nurse.

First class support from first class people

We’ll help you fulfil your potential at every step of the way and offer the following support:

Clinical placement supervisors: Your clinical placement supervisor will be an experienced registered nurse and will guide and support you on a daily basis towards achieving your development goals. You’ll meet regularly with your Clinical Placement Supervisor to discuss your progress, share your experiences and plan for your continued development.

Bupa’s subject matter experts: With 48 care homes across Australia and an extensive support network there is always someone to ask for advice. During the professional study days you’ll have the opportunity to meet Bupa’s subject matter experts with a range of specialist skills and knowledge. Many of our leaders and experts are Registered Nurses who have worked across a range of health areas and have chosen aged care for their future. They will welcome the chance to share their experience with you and help you explore the many career paths available to you as a nurse.

Bupa’s Human Resources team: Our team of HR professionals are proud of the success of our graduate nurses and committed to continuing to improve the support we provide to all employees in their development journeys. You’ll have direct access to the HR team to confidentially discuss any concerns and seek advice. They will also be keen to hear about your experiences and how you are practicing the skills you’ve acquired throughout the program.

What else do we offer?

Professional study days: These are delivered in partnership with The College of Nursing and other key partners, including Alzheimer’s Australia. You’ll have four days of structured learning and sharing experiences at the commencement of each placement.

Post graduate qualification: Bupa offers you the opportunity to complete a post-graduate externally recognised qualification related to aged care.

Leadership development: At Bupa, our nurses are the leaders and decision makers at every level within the organisation. Nurses in aged care are required not only to have exceptional clinical assessment and care delivery skills, but also to lead teams and manage issues that arise. Each of your placements will focus on leadership and we’ll provide you with opportunities for leadership development right from the induction week.

We value our graduates

We understand the challenges of being a graduate and we’re here to help! We value you as an important addition to our team and offer a competitive package. You’ll receive:

• A competitive rate of remuneration
• Sponsorship of continuing professional education
• Visa sponsorship for international candidates who have completed the Bachelor of Nursing at an Australian university

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• Have obtained a Bachelor of Nursing degree
• Be eligible to register with AHPRA
• Have demonstrated commitment to a career in aged care

Please note that electives related to aged care are not a prerequisite for selection, but experience as an aged care worker is desired.

Applying for the program

• Applications are now open for our August 2012 intake. To apply please complete an online application form   here.