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There are 27 different clinical areas available as rotations.
Rotations are for 6 months to maximise consolidation of your confidence and competence with  knowledge and clinical skills, and to facilitate your growth as a valued member of one of our nursing team.

Most rotations will have an element of night duty, and graduates often rotate onto night duty for 2 weeks (8 shifts) every 6-8 weeks. Where possible it is a good time to spend with your preceptor.

You will need to submit your Clinical Rotation Preferences as part of your online application form. This year all graduates who were matched to us received at least one of their top three preferences.

Clinical Areas

All clinical areas are located at the St. Vincent's Melbourne campus in Fitzroy, unless otherwise specified. The following is a summary of how current and past graduates describe each of the wards/departments available as rotations.

10 West – Neurosciences (Surgical Unit)

10 West is a 24-bed, predominantly surgical ward, with facilities for monitoring epilepsy and high dependency patients.

Common surgical procedures include craniotomies, tumour resections, spinal surgery, drainage of haemorrhages, and clipping of aneurysms. Graduates will become skilled at performing neurological assessments and managing seizures, develop an increased awareness of the patient’s psychosocial needs, and see secondary problems develop as a result of the patient’s initial condition. You will regularly look after patients with nasogastric and drain tubes, tracheostomies, and PICC lines, and gain experience monitoring and managing central venous and intracranial pressure.

“I had no idea of the experiences, responsibilities and support I would receive and am having an absolute ball.  I really enjoy putting all the uni stuff together with the things I am learning now and love being a Nurse………even working shiftwork” (MK – 2008 Graduate Nurse)

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10 East – Specialty Medicine (Stroke, Renal, Neurology, Dermatology & General medicine)

10 East is a 24-bed ward with a co-located 4-bed inpatient dialysis treatment area.

Patients are admitted with a variety of acute medical conditions including renal failure. This unit also manages care of renal transplant patients. "The staff on 10 East are always ready to help out and offer assistance when needed, great place to start your career" (MH - 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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9th Floor – Musculoskeletal (Surgical Unit)

A 38-bed surgical ward, which cares for patients requiring joint replacements, limb reconstruction, repair of fractures, and also specialises in orthopaedic oncology.

It’s a very supported team environment, fun and fast paced. There are regular local education sessions held on the unit, and local competencies to complete. “I feel so incredibly privileged to have been accepted into such a fantastic team where I have such opportunity to grow as a nurse and as a person” (RK – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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8 West – Medical Assessment & Planning Unit (High Dependency Area)

8 West is a 25-bed ward, which accepts patients from throughout St. Vincent’s that require medical workups and investigations. It is fast paced and has a high turnover of patients. MAPU patients are accepted directly from the Emergency Department with conditions such as pneumonia, diabetes, asthma, and cellulitis, as well as providing drug and alcohol management and cardiac monitoring.

“Everyone is so willing to answer queries and help you out when you let them know you need it.  It made me feel comfortable and supported straight away and subsequently, a lot more confident in my abilities and skills” (NW – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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8 East – General Medicine (Medical Unit)

8 East is a 25-bed ward where you’ll see a broad range of medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, respiratory conditions, cellulitis,  PE/DVT’s, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, renal failure, and angina.

“8 East nursing is fast paced learning and skill enhancing in a very supportive and friendly environment" (EF – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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7 West – Colorectal, Gastroenterology & Urology (Surgical Unit)

7 West is a 25-bed busy acute ward.

The ward has a variety of complex patients requiring procedures such as TURP’s and prostatectomy’s, the medical and/or surgical management of bowel diseases (e.g. IBD, cancer), and conditions such as pancreatitis, and ascites. Graduates will develop skills in complex post-op care (management of stomas, nasogastrics, and wounds), good assessment skills, and acute management of haematemesis and malena.

"With supportive staff, and a working environment full of many opportunities, St. Vincent’s has been the perfect way to launch my nursing career" (NM – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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7 East - Upper GI, Hepatobiliary & Department of Surgery (Surgical Unit)

7 East is a busy 25-bed fast paced ward.

The unit has interesting and diverse surgical patients, e.g. breast and thyroid surgery, gastrectomies, appendectomies, lap chole’s, and whipples procedures. Post-op care, nasogastrics, UWSD, wound management, drains, and acute pain management are just some of the skills you’ll gain. The ward is super organised and efficient, and team members provide graduate support sessions to discuss issues such as time management, patient care standards and how to cope with night duty.

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6th Floor - Haematology, Oncology & Palliative Care

A 20-bed ward to which patients are admitted for a variety of conditions, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, primary and metastatic tumour disease and bone marrow transplantation. There is also the newly located inpatient palliative care unit providing care to patients, and their families, who have progressive diseases that are not responsive to curative treatment. Diagnoses include cancer and end stage organ failure.

“The staff are extremely supportive & friendly towards all of the Grads. It’s a great ward to work on, with great challenges” (RJ – 2007 Graduate Nurse).

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5 West – ENT, Plastics & Vascular (Surgical Unit)

5 West is a 29-bed ward and a microsurgery unit renowned for being world leaders.

The ward specialises in surgery of head and neck cancers requiring reconstruction.  AAA repairs using endoluminel grafts, vascular bypass surgery,  skin grafts, reconstruction following mastectomy’s, free flaps, amputations, and replants of digits and limbs

“5 West is a fast paced ward with fantastic staff that are very knowledgeable, always willing to help you and answer your questions no matter how silly they may sound. There’s a wide variety of interesting surgeries and it’s a great ward to get all your surgical skills and dressings down to a fine art.” (EB – 2008 Graduate Nurse)               

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4 West – Cardiology & Coronary Care (High Dependency Area)

4 West is an 18 bed ward that comprises of 6 CCU beds and 12 Cardiology / Respiratory beds. The ward specialises in patients who have undergone coronary angioplasty, post acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, endocarditis and exacerbation of chronic conditions including asthma and COPD.

“It’s a great ward to start off your nursing career! This ward has a high turnover of patients which will enable you to continue to develop effective time management skills. The staff are extremely supportive and knowledgeable and no question is a dumb question! What a fantastic rotation”. (EL – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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4 East – Cardiothoracics (High Dependency Area)

4 East is a 20- bed ward, which admits patients for procedures such as CAGs, Valve replacement, PPM insertions and thoracic surgery (eg: VATs pleurodesis, lobectomies, pneumonectomies).

All the beds on this unit have monitoring, as patient conditions can change quickly, so assessment skills will become refined. You will also gain experience with ECGs and continuous cardiac monitoring, intercostal catheters, UWSDs and other kinds of drain tubes, temporary pacing wires, epidurals, wound care, tracheostomies, nasogastric tubes and general nursing care. The staff on 4 East are very supportive and knowledgeable. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have to assist in your professional development.

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Operating Suite - Anaesthetics & Recovery

Rotation within the anaesthetics and recovery areas will reinforce your anatomy and physiology knowledge whilst you gain experience in monitoring patients, respiratory assessment, sterile techniques, pain management, and care of epidural/IV infusions. Your organisational skills improve very quickly and there is plenty of support

“Working in theatre has been a world of difference away from anything I had experienced as a student, but the warm welcome and constant encouragement from staff exceeded all my expectations and has made my transition from student to RN easier than I ever imagined. My grad year so far has been unforgettable and with such a great support network I continue to learn and develop my skills. With seemingly unlimited career opportunities, I am excited about my future here at St. Vincent’s.”  (MP – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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Operating Suite - Peri-operative

During this rotation you will develop in the role as a scout and scrub nurse; setting up instruments, assisting the surgeon with procedures, and gaining great aseptic techniques! Dexterity, good organisational skills and teamwork are crucial skills in this environment, and the increased understanding of patient conditions/procedures will be valuable when working in other clinical areas. Staff are friendly and willing to help and both Operating Suite rotations involve a diversity of cases, e.g. ENT, orthopaedic, neurosurgery, vascular, laproscopic, cardiac, urology, plastics, hepatobiliary, thoracic, and microvascular.

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Palliative Care - Caritas Christi Hospice, Kew

Caritas Christi provides care to patients, and their families, who have progressive diseases that are not responsive to curative treatment. Diagnoses include cancer and end stage organ failure. It can be a very rewarding rotation for graduate nurses, where they can gain skills in assessing and managing pain and other symptoms, using syringe drivers, and communicating with dying patients and their families while assisting them with their psychological, emotional and spiritual concerns. The model of care encourages holistic assessment by the multidisciplinary team. Graduates are encouraged to attend regular reflection sessions and a Palliative Care Education Program, which is provided to them. The program assists in consolidating knowledge on topics such as pain and symptom management, caregiver needs, and spiritual, pastoral and ethical principles.

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Day Procedure Unit

This busy unit involves four areas (admissions, recovery room, endoscopy suite, and minor procedures room) where you will see procedures such as lithotripsy, angiograms, day surgery cases and ECT. 

It is a great place to consolidate your time management and organisational skills and where you’ll learn about managing sedated patients, acute pain, post-op care, airway patency, and you will develop good assessment and documentation skills.  Another enjoyable aspect is the continuity of care from admission to discharge.

“It’s a great environment to develop your multi-tasking skills and to learn how to work in a team environment. The other staff members are full of knowledge, tips and are always willing to lend an ear. Pester them with questions; they are always willing to teach”   (ER – 2008 Graduate Nurse) 

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Emergency Department (High Dependency Area)

The ED has 39 cubicles and rooms for: procedures, plastering, suturing, behavioural assessment, and resuscitation.

It is a challenging rotation where you will continually improve both your clinical and assessment skills. Due to the wide variety of patient presentations you will also expand your knowledge on diseases. You need to be flexible, enjoy working in a team and prioritise your care in terms of acuity.

“This area is a dynamic, challenging environment, where you get exposed to a wide range of conditions and have the opportunity to use and improve your assessment skills. The staff are really switched on and always happy to answer questions” (MH – 2007 Graduate Nurse).

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Medical Imaging Department

This interesting rotation, within a small nursing team, involves working in the Angiography Suite, main Medical Imaging Department, and Central Melbourne Medical Imaging.

You will be involved with many procedures (e.g. Fluoroscopy, Thallium Stress Tests, lumbar punctures, biopsies, pleural taps), and in addition scrub for sterile procedures, develop good assessment skills, and take many ECG’s. The skills and knowledge gained of pre/post care of procedures and imaging will be valuable when working in most other areas of nursing and at times you’ll work quite independently.

"This is an opportunity to broaden your nursing knowledge and skills of minor surgical procedures and patient recovery skills, whilst being in a supportive and friendly environment."(OH – 2007 Graduate Nurse)

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Mental Health Services

This department has 44 beds incorporating 2 extra care units. 

Patients who are admitted are acutely unwell, experiencing disorders such as psychosis, mood disorders and personality disorders. Co-morbid substance use and mental illness is a common presenting feature.

“It has challenged me, broadened my perspective and given me the confidence to work with a diverse range of patients. The staff are a supportive team who are passionate and knowledgeable in the area of mental health. If you’re considering choosing psych for your career in nursing, then this is the place to start!”  (AT – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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Dialysis Unit

The Dialysis Unit is a 15-chair community facility where you will appreciate the role and importance the kidneys play as a major body system.

You will have the opportunity to spend time in the acute dialysis unit within SVHM, and gain experience with dialysis access, sterile techniques, state-of-the-art dialysis technology, monitoring of cardiovascular status and the holistic management of patients with kidney disease. It is rewarding nursing regular patients, and you develop a strong rapport as you have time to talk to them.

“Continual care of patients allows strong relationships to be built between staff and patient. Staff are amazingly supportive and welcoming, especially being the only grad. Being part of a specialty team is very exciting and rewarding, especially given dialysis is a very autonomous area. Sundays off helps too.... Love it all......” (PW = 2007 Graduate Nurse).

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Outpatients Unit

This rotation offers Graduates an opportunity to experience all St. Vincent's medical and surgical clinical specialties. The environment is diverse and varied and assists in the learning and practice of specialist skills including plastering, assessment techniques, complex dressings and wound care.

“I really enjoy cardiology and the orthopaedic fracture clinics where I'm learning to apply casts, and plastics clinic where there are lots of wound dressings, stitch and staple removals.  The staff are so supportive and friendly. Definitely a great first rotation”. (BH – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

The clinics are a Monday to Friday service and our team will provide a supportive and fun environment to launch a graduates nursing career.

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Rehabilitation Unit - Fitzroy

This unit at SVHM is a 22-bed sub acute rehabilitation ward that provides an environment which is ideal for consolidating nursing and time management skills.

Patients are admitted with various conditions such as Total Hip Joint Replacements, Amputees, Stroke, MS etc. Many of the patients still require acute care such as IV hydration/antibiotics, tracheostomy care, catheterisation, peritoneal dialysis, suture removal, and nasogastric feeds. You’ll also gain experience with wound care, and transferring patients safely. It is a close knit nursing team who are committed to each other and quality patient care. As some of the patients have longer length of stays, you will find it really rewarding seeing the vast improvements that patients make.

“It’s a great ward because you work as a unified team and learn to understand the crucial and complex needs of patients who require both short and long term care” (JF – 2007 Graduate Nurse)

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Rehabilitation Unit - Kew

The 30-bed Heale Unit at SGH admits patients recovering from illness, accident or injury, e.g. CVA’s, or post orthopaedic, abdominal, and cardiac surgery.

You will develop broad medication knowledge, consolidate time management, and develop excellent discharge planning skills in liaison with the multi-disciplinary team. Other experience will include blood transfusions, tracheostomy care, bladder ultrasounds, ECG’s, dressings, and IV antibiotics. “The Heale unit is a fantastic place to make the transition form being a student to being a full time Division 1 nurse. The staff on the unit are most knowledgeable, very friendly and always willing to lend a hand. There is a great team culture, a social friendly roster and free parking is always a bonus!” (LC – 2007 Graduate Nurse).  

Further bonuses of this rotation are minimal night duty, and opportunity to attend the Introduction to Gerontic Nursing Course covering topics such as sensory deprivation, chronic pain assessment, legal issues and mobility states.

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Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit – Fitzroy

This sub-acute unit at SVHM has 22-beds and provides an excellent opportunity to consolidate a diversity of skills in a friendly and positive environment.

It is a busy ward admitting patients with many medical and post-surgical conditions/   co-morbidities, e.g. congestive cardiac failure, renal impairment, respiratory disease, angina, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, hypertension, and post GIT, orthopaedic, and cardiac surgery. Clinical skills include wound care, IV antibiotics, venepuncture, ECG’s, PICC’s, nasogastrics, and assessment of mobility, pain and skin integrity. There is a strong focus on assessment, evaluation and discharge planning.

It is an excellent environment to consolidate your skills and develop your abilities in time management. “I have really enjoyed my time on the GEM ward, the staff are great and always willing to help with anything, they are also really friendly and fun. At first I was unsure what kind of nursing it would be on the GEM ward and I have found it to be challenging and interesting, the patients come in with a variety of different illnesses, which has been great to expand my knowledge”. (JT – 2008 Graduate Nurse).

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Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit – Kew

The Reid Unit at SGH is a 30-bed evaluation and management unit for patients with complex health issues including respiratory, endocrine, cardiac and chronic illnesses common in the older population.

The holistic approach to patient care aims to optimise health and function prior to discharge. Graduates will gain confidence in clinical skills such as assessment and management of disease processes, wounds, continence, management of blood transfusions, enteral feeds, IV therapy, ECG’s, bladder scans and  medication administration. Graduates will also experience being part of the interdisciplinary team, participating in early discharge planning. Bonuses of this rotation include the opportunity to attend the Introduction to Gerontic Nursing Course covering topics including sensory deprivation, chronic pain, assessment, legal issues and mobility states, as well as the advantage of free car parking.

"GEM is a busy ward with wonderful staff who will always answer questions, lend a hand and offer encouragement. It has been great for my time management skills, pharmacy knowledge and dealing with complex medical needs"(RH – 2007 Graduate Nurse).

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Ellerslie Unit (Kew)

Ellerslie is a 22 bed transition care unit whose patients have an average length of stay of 2-4 weeks.

The unit cares for elderly patients who have completed their acute and/or sub-acute episodes of care and are more medically stable. The aim of care is to optimise health and functional status while longer term plans are being finalised. Graduate nurses working on the Ellerslie unit will have a genuine interest in the care of the elderly person. They will have an opportunity to consolidate clinical skills in a mentored supported environment. The team in the unit are renowned for their caring and dedicated approach to best practice.

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Correctional Health (Optional Rotation at Port Philip Prison - Laverton)

St. Vincent’s Correctional Health Service provides acute medical, surgical and psychosocial care to prisoners in Victoria.  This service operates from two locations: St. Vincent’s Hospital Fitzroy and Port Philip Prison (PPP) Laverton.  This rotation is only available at the Laverton campus, which is 40 minutes from the CBD.  There is limited public transport.  Met Link run a bus service (No. 400) from Sunshine station which departs at 0630hrs and arrives at PPP at approximately 0704hrs.  A return bus back to Sunshine station departs PPP at 1530hrs and departs half hourly around this time.  The last pick up from PPP departs at 1900hrs.  This poses to be a problem when on an afternoon shift and this is why driving is the best option. 

 Port Philip Prison is a 764 bed, maximum security, primary sentence serving male prison.  Graduates rotating here will spend three months with ST. Paul’s, this unit specialises in the rehabilitation phase of patient’s mental illness.  The other rotation includes three months within St. Johns, a secondary care medical/surgical unit.  There is a diversity in the patient acuity seen, which can include but not limited to cardiac, diabetes, liver disease, renal disease, post-surgical intervention, self-harm attempts, epilepsy, burns, substance withdrawal and overdoses, orthopaedic, and plastics.  

During the 6 months graduates will gain experience with nursing assessment skills.  These will include mental state assessment, management of medical emergencies, infectious diseases and wound care.  Experience will also be gained with Venepuncture and medication administration (including the opportunity to observe the drug round in the prison).  The development of communication skills and an insight into men’s health issues within correctional health will also be gained.

 There is a supportive multi-disciplinary team at Port Phillip prison.  Graduate nurses are supported by nurse educators and experienced correctional health staff.  Debriefing with colleagues and the STAR team occur as needed.  The Clinical Project Officers are always a good first contact and are always more than happy to support you at any time.   Orientation and security training to PPP is provided over a two day workshop by Global Solutions Limited.  Supernumery time is also given within the first week of commencement.  Nursing education is provided weekly onsite on either a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday at 1430hrs and is always advertised in advance on the education calendar.  Other bonuses include the self rostering system, no car parking costs and no night duty! “My rotation in correctional health at PPP has provided me with many interesting and challenging experiences.  It is a unique place to work where security is a priority and both healthcare and security personnel are very supportive.” (ML – 2007 Graduate Nurse)

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