

Graduate Year Programs
The aim of our graduate programs are to:
- Provide support and guidance to the beginning practitioner in a friendly and safe environment;
- Develop confidence, clinical competence and skills in the multifaceted role of the registered nurse or midwife;
- Provide you with a personal and rewarding experience in a regional health service.
DjHS offer graduate programs suitable for the Registered Nurse, the Registered Midwife and the dual degree Registered Nurse and Midwife:
- Graduate Nurse Program – General Stream
- Graduate Nurse Program – Primary Care Stream
- Graduate Midwifery Program
- Combined Nursing and Midwifery Program
Graduates in all streams are contracted to a 64 hours per fortnight (rotating rosters) for a fixed term of 12 months. DjHS is a fast-growing health service, and graduates will be provided with opportunities for re-employment within the health service post-completion of their program, within their relevant discipline(s).
DjHS offer 2 intakes within the graduate programs per year – January and February.
Registered Nurse – General Stream
The general stream is a collaborative graduate program facilitated in collaboration with Ballarat Health Services (BHS). Each graduate will attend a comprehensive orientation program, along with a minimum of two days supernumerary at the beginning of each rotation. Additional training days are provided at the beginning of each specialty rotation.
Graduates will also attend an additional five study days throughout the year (facilitated by and located at BHS).
During the program, participants will complete 3-4 clinical rotations in the following areas:
Operating Theatre
Medical & Surgical Unit
Acute Unit at Ballarat Health Services (BHS)
Currently negotiating an additional rotation in a specialty rotation
Operating Theatre
The Operating Theatre is currently being re-developed with construction estimated to be completed by June 2019. The Peri-Operative department offers a wide range of services, which include a Central Sterilising Supplies Department (CSSD), a Pre-Admission Clinic, two Operating Rooms, an Endoscopy Room and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit, which includes six day procedure beds.
Theatre Services offer surgery in a range of specialties, which includes Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ear Nose and Throat, Urology, Orthopaedics, General, Plastics as well as Endoscopic services.
Medical & Surgical Unit
The Medical & Surgical Unit provides a wide variety of services for clients with general medical conditions and provides post-operative care. The 18 bed ward also has the ability to allocated beds to end of life care and also to detox/withdrawal.
Post-operative care is provided to clients following a range of surgery, including General, Plastics, Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Ear Nose and Throat and Urology.
Acute Unit at Ballarat Health Services (Medical Oncology)
Ballarat Health Services operates the Ballarat Base Hospital, the largest regional hospital in the Grampians region. It is the principal referral hospital for the entire region, which extends from Bacchus Marsh to the South Australian border, an area of 48,000 square kilometres.
DjHS currently have an agreement with BHS to place graduates on the Medical Oncology Unit. The Medical Oncology department provides oncology and haematology services to the patients of Ballarat and the Grampians region.
This includes managing solid tumours such as breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer and others, leukaemias, lymphomas and myelomas through the provision of chemotherapy and supportive care in a multidisciplinary environment.
Graduate Nurse Program - Primary Care Stream
This innovative Graduate Program enables nursing graduates to develop the clinical and health promotion skills required to work in primary care as well as the acute care environment. The Primary Care Stream includes three rotations:
- 6 months - Primary Care at Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre OR Renal Dialysis Unit at Melton Health
- 3 months - Medical Surgical Unit
- 3 months - Grant Lodge Residential Care Facility
Each graduate will attend a comprehensive orientation program, along with a minimum of two days supernumerary at the beginning of each rotation. Additional training day's specific to primary care will be provided whilst at Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre and Renal Dialysis.
Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre
Bacchus Marsh Medical Centre is a comprehensive GP medical practice with onsite pathology, physiotherapy, acupuncture, cardiology, psychology and diabetic education. These services are located on two sites at:
- 2 Turner Street, Bacchus Marsh 3340 &
- 147 Gisborne Road, Darley 3340
Staff at the medical centre provide an extensive range of services including: Obstetrics and Antenatal Care, Travel and Childhood vaccinations, minor surgery, workplace medicals and counselling.
The practice aims to provide high quality health care in a professional and efficient manner. In addition to general medical consultations, the practice offers the following services: Family Planning, Pregnancy Tests, ECG / Heart Check, Spirometry, Vaccinations, Pap Smears, Obstetrics / Antenatal Care, 4yr Old Health Checks, Care Plans, Counselling, Blood Tests, Minor Surgery, Treatment of Fractures, Acupuncture, Weight Control, Nutrition Advice, Health Assessments, Aged Care
Renal Dialysis - Melton Health
Renal Dialysis provides a haemodialysis service to patients in an ambulatory care setting, located at Melton Health. The unit is staffed by Registered Nurses and operates under the "hub and spoke" model in partnership with Western Health. The unit is supported by a sessional Nephrologists, Allied Health staff and Patient Service Assistant.
A 2 week training program is provided to graduate nurses rotating through the unit, which includes practical and theoretical components. This is followed by ongoing clinical support to enable to the graduate nurse to function safely and independently in the renal dialysis unit.
Medical & Surgical Unit
The Medical & Surgical Unit provides a wide variety of services for clients with general medical conditions and provides post-operative care. The ward has 20 beds with two beds allocated to palliative care and one bed allocated to detox/withdrawal.. Surgery provided is General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Gynaecology, Orthopaedic and Endoscopy.
Residential Care
The Residential Care Unit provides 24 hour quality high level nursing care in a home-like environment for 30 high care residents. A respite bed is also available to provide a break for carers. Person centred care is provided by fully qualified registered nurses, a physiotherapist, allied health services and diversional therapists. Grant Lodge is a member of Dementia Care Australia and through the implementation of the "Spark of Life" approach; staff are able to provide a dementia supportive environment. As well as providing home cooked meals with personal diet preferences, Grant Lodge provides an extensive lifestyle program in Bacchus Marsh.
Registered Midwife - Graduate Midwifery Program
The graduate midwifery program provides an exciting opportunity for the newly registered Bachelor of Midwifery or Dual Nursing & Midwifery degree graduate to complete a transition to practice year within a regional setting. Each graduate will attend a comprehensive orientation program, as well as additional attendance at the Antenatal Study Day, PROMPT, Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation and Breastfeeding Study Day throughout the year.
The midwifery graduate will rotate through the following areas:
- Maternity Unit- antenatal assessment, labour, birth and postnatal care Antenatal Clinic (supernumerary)
- Domiciliary care (supernumerary)
- Special Care Nursery (supernumerary)
DjHS are currently negotiating an additional rotation within an acute tertiary setting in metropolitan Melbourne.DjHS has recently completed a refurbishment of the midwifery unit, with an upgrade of workstations, delivery suites and rooms as well as the inclusion of a three-bay special care nursery (level 3) for resuscitation, stabilising and managing unwell neonates. The Level 3 Special Care Nursery is due to open in May 2019.
Combined Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program
The combined nursing and midwifery graduate program provides an exciting opportunity for the newly registered dual Nursing and Midwifery degree graduate to complete a transition to practice year within a regional setting, consolidating both midwifery and nursing streams.
Each graduate will attend a comprehensive orientation program, as well as additional attendance at multiple midwifery specific study days and nursing specific study days.
The combined nursing and midwifery graduate will rotate through the following areas:
Maternity Unit - antenatal assessment, labour, birth and postnatal care
Medical Surgical Unit
DjHS are currently negotiating an additional maternity rotation within an acute tertiary setting in metropolitan Melbourne.
Our Health Service

On Friday 21 October 2016, the Minister for Health, the Hon. Jill Hennessy, visited Bacchus Marsh & Melton Regional Hospital to announce a $10.6 million State Government investment in Djerriwarrh Health Services.
The new funding will allow:
- $1.6 million to increase the number of post-delivery beds in the Maternity Unit from 11 to 15, catering for up to 1200 births per annum. It will also allow an upgrade of nurse workstations, delivery suites and the entire maternity department as well as the inclusion of a three-bay nursery for resuscitation and stabilising unwell babies
- $9 million for the development of two new operating theatres, an upgrade of an existing theatre, refurbishment of the recovery area, and the development of new staff and patient change rooms.
This significant State Government investment follows the:
- $2.9 million on-site Central Sterile Supply Unit (CSSU) at Bacchus Marsh (image above)
- new $21 million Melton Community Services & Health Hub health centre in the Melton Health Precinct.
Medical/Surgical Unit | 18 Medical/Surgical Beds 2 purpose built Palliative Care Rooms 1 Detoxification bed |
Maternity | 1 Family Birthing Suites 2 Labour Rooms 7 Single Rooms 1 (2) Bed Room |
Grant Lodge Residential Care Unit | 30 High Level Aged Care Beds |
Theatre | Endoscopy, Orthopaedic, General, obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Dental, Vascular and Urology. |
Urgent Care Services at Bacchus Marsh | 1 Resuscitation Cubicle 1 Paediatric Cubicle 2 Acute Cubicles 1 Treatment Room |
Melton Health Campus | Provides ambulatory care to the core programs of Day Medical (Urgent Care, Renal Dialysis and Oncology), Adult Health (Chronic Disease Management, Orthopaedic and Neurological Rehabilitation as well as a number of specialists medical clinics), Women and Children’s Health (Childbirth Education, Obstetric Care, Day Stay Program and Paediatric Assessment Clinics) and Dental Services. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to apply?
As a Public Health Service, DjHS matches all graduate positions via the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria (PMCV) Computer Match system.
Please refer to Graduate Nurse/Midwife Program Match (GNMP Match) – PMCV for eligibility criteria and details. http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/matches/gnmp.cfm
I completed my degree last year. Am I still eligible to apply?
As per the PMCV eligibility criteria, you must have completed your degree in the current academic year. Please check the eligibility criteria at http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/matches/gnmp.cfm
I am an interstate or international applicant. Am I eligible to apply?
You must be eligible to apply through to computer match in order to apply for our graduate program. Check eligibility criteria at http://computermatching.pmcv.com.au/public/matches/gnmp.cfm
Who do I address my application to?
You must address your letter to the person by name and title who appears in the advertisement for the Graduate Nurse Program or the Graduate Midwifery Program
Where do I send my application?
Applications are only accepted online via our website http://djhs.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies/
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
- Cover Letter (please include preference of stream)
- Resume (with photo embedded within document). Please include a list of all undergraduate clinical placements (location, type, hours).
- Certified Academic Transcript (with key attached)
- Certified copies of 2 Clinical Assessments from acute placements (preferably one from second year and one from third year)
- Contact details (phone and email addresses) of 2 clinical referees (preferably one from second year and one from third year).
Applicants are required to upload their documents in two separate files – it is recommended to combine cover letter, CV and academic transcript into one file and clinical assessment tools into the second file.
What is a true certified copy?
A certified true copy is an exact duplicate of the original document which has been sighted by an authorised signatory, and signed off as a “true copy”. The wording must say “This is a certified true copy" and signed. All pages need to be certified in this way even if the document is 10 pages long.
Who can certify my documents?
In Australia there are a range of persons authorised to certify documentation. AHPRA has a comprehensive list of authorised officers along with the signatory requirements online: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Process/Certifying-Documents.aspx
Can I apply if I don’t have 2 clinical assessments from acute settings to submit?
Yes – absolutely! Please ensure to contact the Graduate Nurse Coordinator to negotiate your submission. We understand that you don’t have control over the placements you are allocated in your undergraduate degree, hence you will not be disadvantaged if you cannot meet this requirement.
When will I be notified if I have been successful with an interview?
We will be conducting interviews mid-late August. You will be contacted at least one week prior if you have been successful with an interview, with details of the interview, date, time and location. You will need to allow approximately 1.5 hours for your interview.
When will I be notified if have been unsuccessful with an interview?
You will be notified mid-late August if you have been unsuccessful with an interview. You will be notified by email. We will be more than happy to provide you with feedback on your application, but ask that you please contact us after 10 September, due to the high workload at this time.
When will I be notified if I have been successful with a position at DjHS?
The PMCV Computer Matching results are released on the PMCV website on Tuesday 9 October (approx 10am). DjHS will ring all successful applicants to welcome you to the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
I completed my degree last year. Am I still eligible to apply?
I am an interstate or international applicant. Am I eligible to apply?
Who do I address my application to?
Where do I send my application?
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
Can I apply if I don’t have 2 clinical assessments from acute settings to submit?
When will I be notified if I have been successful with an interview?
When will I be notified if have been unsuccessful with an interview?
When will I be notified if I have been successful with a position at DjHS?