Not every nursing and midwifery students gets an offer into a new grad program. Some people make it onto an local health district’s or hospital’s eligibility list, while others simply don’t get offered one. 

IT’S A MYTH that you need a new grad placement to launch your career. 

Here are some things you can do if you don’t get into a program. 

1. Don’t panic

Stop and take a deep breath. Not getting into a new grad program is not the end of the world. You’re still brand new in your career, so the world is your oyster! There are still plenty of ways you can get a job and contribute to your profession. 

2. Get in contact with recruiters

This one’s especially important for those who made a hospital’s eligibility list or are currently working as assistants in nursing. Give the recruiter a call to see if they have any positions available – even those outside of the new grad program. You’ll never know, they might have an opening, or be able to point you in the right direction. 

3. Get in touch with previous managers or placement educators

You’ve built those connections, so reach out and let them know your situation. They might have a role available or simply offer advice or support. If you’re currently working as an AIN or EN, chat to your own manager about any upcoming opportunities you might be able to apply for. 

4. Look rural

Some rural programs don’t fill all their spots, which means there may be openings for new grads. Rural placements may fly under the radar, but they offer just as much hands-on experience, learning, and fulfilment. 

5. Apply for non-new grad positions

Just because a job says you need “12 months experience”, doesn’t mean they’ll hire exclusively from those who have it. With the current nursing shortage, some facilities further afield are struggling to fill nursing and midwifery positions to their requirements under the law. Because of this, they might consider taking you on even without the requisite experience. You might not always get the job – but it doesn’t hurt to try!

6. Get yourself on LinkedIn

Create a public profile to showcase your achievement and career goals. Set your preferences (role, location, etc), and LinkedIn will send you alerts when relevant jobs are posted

7. Browse careers sites

NSW Health careers is a great place to start. All NSW Health jobs are listed here, so regularly check in to keep up to date – your next role could pop up any day. 

8. Broaden your horizons

Have you considered working in Primary Health? What about a role in Aged Care, a school or telehealth? There are plenty of opportunities to work as a nurse or midwife outside of the mainstream hospital system. If you’re willing to go beyond your limits, you might find there are positions in areas you never thought to look

9. Be persistent

When everything seems to be going pear-shaped, just keep going. It might seem like a hard slog, but if you’re keen to be part of our professions, there are definitely opportunities there for you. Send another email, make another phone call, apply for another job – you’ll never know what opportunities might present themselves if you just keep going. 

If you need any more support, NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association members can email gensec@nswnma.asn.au. If you’re not yet a member, you can also sign up here.