There are 25 different clinical units 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 to 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 our Fitzroy campus unless otherwise specified. Click each link to see the summary (below) of how current and past graduates describe each of the wards and departments available as rotations.
4 East is a 20 bed ward, which admits patients for procedures such as CAGs, valve replacement, PPM insertions and thoracic surgery (e.g. VATs pleurodesis, lobectomies, pneumonectomies). All the beds on this unit have monitoring, as patient conditions can change quickly, so assessment skills will become refined.
"4 East is a busy, fast paced ward. Whilst on the ward I am constantly learning new nursing skills and increasing my knowledge level. The staff are very supportive and always happy to help out or answer questions. 4 East is challenging yet rewarding environment. I enjoy coming to work everyday" (ZB, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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4 West is an 18 bed ward that comprises of 6 CCU beds and 12 Cardiology/Respiratory beds. The ward specialises in cardiology patients who have undergone coronary angioplasty, post acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, endocarditis, heart failure, pacemaker insertion and respiratory patients with exacerbation of chronic conditions including asthma and COPD.
My time on 4 West has been such a great experience. The staff are all very welcoming and keen to help out a new face, while the clinical knowledge I am gaining is extensive and widely applicable to my nursing career wherever I may end up in the future. If you are interested in cardiac nursing this is a great ward to work on." (TM, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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7 West is a 25 bed busy acute ward with a variety of complex patients requiring procedures such as TURPs and prostatectomies, the medical and/or surgical management of bowel diseases and conditions such as pancreatitis and ascites.
"7 West has successfully created both e afriendly and challenging work environment. The staff are amongst the best I have encountered - bringing a mixture of support, education and encouragement to a very busy discipline. The fast pace of the ward takes some adjusting to but for those who are looking to hit the ground running, improve their practice and have a few laughs in the process I would highly recommend 7 West."!” (SM- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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This busy unit which has a throughput of approximately 60 patients a day involves four areas (admissions, recovery room, endoscopy suite and minor procedures room) where you will see procedures such as gastroscopies, colonoscopies, lithotripsy, angiograms, day surgery cases and ECT. It is a great place to consolidate your time management, patient assessment skills, organisational skills and where you’ll learn about managing sedated patients, acute pain and post-op care.
“DPU has been the perfect first rotation, with a friendly, supportive team who really do work as a team. Every day is different, challenging, and invaluable for developing an all-rounded skill base. I couldn’t be happier.” (RA- 2010 Graduate Nurse)
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St Vincent’s nephrology service provides a full range of dialysis services including acute and chronic dialysis management.
We service inpatients at St Vincent’s Fitzroy campus, as well as offering supportive care for patients at St Vincent’s Mercy Private Hospital and Peter McCallum Cancer Institute (PMCI) and providing satellite dialysis services in Sale, Werribee, Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Shepparton, St George's (Kew), William Angliss and Peter James Centre.
The main dialysis unit is a 15 chair community facility where you will appreciate the role and importance the kidneys play as a major body system. The dialysis unit has a large home dialysis program – the teaching for both home haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis is undertaken in the community unit. You will have the opportunity to spend time in the acute dialysis unit within St Vincent's and gain experience with dialysis access, sterile techniques and state of the art dialysis technology.
"A rotation in the Dialysis Unit has been a great experience. It has given me insight into other areas of clinical nursing and to discover the diversity of the profession. I have found the work fascinating, interesting and enjoyable." (SB, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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The emergency department has 39 cubicles and rooms for: procedures, plastering, suturing, behavioural assessment and resuscitation. It is a challenging and exciting rotation where you will continually improve both your clinical and assessment skills.
St Vincents has given me an extremely warm and welcoming start to my nursing career. My first rotation in Emergency has been incredible so far. It is an extremely busy and fast paced department, however the support and knowledge that has been both readily and eagerly shared and passed on to me from all staff within the department has provided me with a very smooth and nurturing transition into Emergency nursing." (CG- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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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. Abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs using endoluminel grafts, vascular bypass surgery, skin grafts, reconstruction following mastectomies, free flaps, amputations and replants of digits and limbs.
"5 West is a fast paced, dynamic ward offering infinite learning opportunities. The patients often present with complex surgical procedures however all staff members are supported no matter what the issue. Every shift offers a new challenge and a different surgery or procedure to learn and gain new skills in. A fantastic place to start your grad year!"(SF- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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Fitzroy
This subacute unit at St Vincent's 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/comorbidities, for example congestive cardiac failure, renal impairment, respiratory disease, angina, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, hypertension, post GIT, orthopaedic, and cardiac surgery. "I had extensive anxieties associated with the transition from a student to a Division 1 Registered Nurse prior to starting at St Vincents. These fears have been quickly erased however, as the friendly, supportive environment I have been provided with in the GEM Unit has enabled me to increase my dexterity and confidence in a number of nursing skills."(AR, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
Kew
The Reid Unit at SGH is a 34-bed Geriatric Evaluation and Management [GEM] 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. Bonuses of this rotation include the opportunity to attend education and in-services specific to elder care as well as more general topics, experience working in a well established multi disciplinary team, as well as the advantage of free car parking.
“Gem Ward at St Georges was a great team environment where the staff are fully supportive of the endeavours of your first year; which has allowed me to grow into the Nurse that I am today.” (NP- 2010 Graduate Nurse)
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8 East is a 24 bed unit consisting of 3 medical units – General Medicine A, B and C. Our patients have varied and complex medical conditions providing a great introduction into other speciality areas such as neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, respiratory, endocrinology, oncology, palliative care and infectious diseases.
We are the primary discharge destination for ICU medical patients and we embrace a multidisciplinary team approach to patient assessment, evaluation and discharge planning to provide optimal patient outcomes.
"Being such a busy ward environement, 8 East will provide you with a firm grounding in general medical nursing and will provide you with the opportunity to master your time management skills. There is always plenty to learn and the staff are exceptionally supportive of their grads." (BK, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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The Medical Assessment and Planning Unit (MAPU) is a 25 bed short stay ward which provides rapid multidisciplinary assessment of General Medical patients admitted via the Emergency Department.
The MAPU unit includes 4 cardiac monitired beds and 4 GEM and sub-acute beds. MAPU is a dynamic environemnt with a high patient turnover and a patient population with diverse and complex medical conditions.
"8 West is a very diverse ward. The nursing staff are very supportive, and work seamlessly with the Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapist and other allied health teams to provide holistic care to all patients. You will learn skills for many conditions including cardiac, renal and respiratory. You will also learn skills for discharge planning, admissions, referrals, and particularly time management. 8 West is a great ward to start your nursing career. The diversity makes you learn something new every day." (RB, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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This week-day only rotation involves the areas of Medical Imaging, CMMI, MRI and Angiography. Nursing experience and education incorporates department competencies, and patient care from pre-assessment through to procedure and recovery care. Graduates will work alongside Radiographers and Doctors to perform procedures such as biopsies, drainages, cardiac stress tests and lumbar punctures. Learning is well supported in this multi-disciplinary team, with opportunities to develop clinical and organisational skills in patient-focused nursing.
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A 24 bed surgical ward, 9 East cares for patients requiring total joint replacements or elective orthopaedic surgery and includes rhuematology beds.
It is a very supportive team environemt, fun and fast paced. There are regular local education sessions held on the unit, and local competencies to complete "9 East is a very supportive ward with really knowledgeable and helpful staff. The ward allows you to really get your surgical nursing skills up, but also has patients with a variety of orthopaedic and non orthopaedic conditions that gives you a variety of new knowledge and skills outside what you may first think when you start on the ward." (ES, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
9 West - Orthopaedics (surgical unit)
Specialising in orthopaedic oncology, 9 East is a 20 bed unit which cares for patients requiring surgical intervention for tumours of the musculoskeletal system and orthopaedic trauma, and has endocrinology beds.
The nursing team are dynamic with a focus on providin graduate suppport and education to ensure best patient outcomes.
"9 West is a great ward to begin your graduate year on. It has allowed me to develop essential day to day nursing skills as well as learn something new everyday as the patient mix includes orthopaedic trauma, tumour and endocrinology cases. The staff are so friendly and supportive, you will instantly feel at home." (EP, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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10 West is a 24 bed acute 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.
The nursing is challenging, requires a multidisciplinary approach and learning is supported by ward-ased education sessions. The neurosciences team are committed to the professional development of nursing staff and graduates.
"Neurosciences is a busy and highly stimulating ward. Having had no previous exposure in neurosurgery, I was apprehensive. However, I have felt so well supported by the nursing team who have always been there to answer any questions, no matter how silly, and lend a hand. They have demonstrated a willingness to invest in my learning and development. 10 Westy has been a great place to start my graduate year."(MS, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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Patients are admitted to this 28 bed ward located across the 6th floor for a variety of conditions including acute leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, primary and metastatic tumour disease, autologous stem cell transplantation, palliation and islet cell transplantation. The nursing team is committed to quality patient care and prides itself on a team approach and friendly work ethic.
"6th floor is such a rewarding, challenging environment. The special relationship you develop with the patients makes coming to work a pleasure." (LS, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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Anaesthetics
A rotation within anaesthetics will reinforce your anatomy and physiology knowledge whilst you gain experience with all surgical specialities. You will become familiar with acute care skills such as invasive monitoring of patients, respiratory assessment, pain management and care of epidural/IV infusions. Your organisational skills improve very quickly and there is plenty of support with optional learning packages available.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the varying patient demographic that St Vincents offers. I feel I have developed my clinical skills and am gaining confidence in myself as a Division 1 Registered Nurse. Working in Anaesthetics has exposed me to a multitude of exciting medical procedures that have provided me with many learning opportunities and experiences beyond my expectations as a graduate". (NM- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
Peri-operative
The operating suite has 12 theatres and performs more than eight thousand operations a year. During this rotation you will learn what a scout and scrub nurse does such as setting up instruments, assisting the surgeon with procedures and gaining great aseptic technique. Dexterity, good organisational skills, and teamwork are crucial in this environment. An increased understanding of patient conditions and procedures will be valuable when working in other clinical areas.
"I have found that the peri-op rotation is a great way to consolidate your knowledge from University about the befores and afters of surgery. There is so much to learn that has really helped me become more confudent in my nursing abilities. The team are supportive and approachable and the hours are a great way to help you ease into your nursing career. I have found this rotation rewarding and packed full of valuable experiences that will help me decide where I want to specialise in the future." (SB, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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This rotation offers graduates an opportunity to experience all St Vincent's medical and surgical clinical specialties. The environment is diverse, varied and assists in the learning and practice of specialist skills including plastering, assessment techniques, complex dressings and wound care. The clinics are a Monday to Friday service.
"Outpatients Clinics is an environment which has allowed me to balance work and life, as clinics operate Monday to Friday. The Clinic team consists of very supportive staff, who are always happy to allocate time to answer questions or support me to complete clinical skills. Working in the Clinic's has given me both clinical and administrative skills, and insight into the variety of health concerns people within the community live with, and ongoing treatments they may require." (KT- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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Caritas Christi provides care to patients, and their families, who have progressive diseases that are not responsive to curative treatment.
It can be a rewarding rotation for graduate nurses, with the opportunity to gain skills in assessing and managing pain and other symptoms, using syringe drivers and communicating with 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 staff support sessions and a Palliative Care Education Program. The program assists in consolidating knowledge on topics such as pain and symptom management, caregiver needs and spiritual, pastoral and ethical principles.
"The opportunity to work at CCH has certainly provided an extremely rewarding experience. It is a great privilege to have been given the opprtunity to provide care to terminally ill patients, whilst at the same time surrounded by a wonderful team of supportive staff. Each day certainly brings new challenges and I now feel more confident in my ability to provide effective sympton management in the areas of pain relief, nausea and vomiting".(CD, 2011 Graduate Nurse).
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Fitzroy
This unit at Fitzroy is a 26 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 stroke and MS, as well as total hip joint replacements and amputations. Many of the patients still require acute care such as IV hydration/antibiotics, tracheostomy care, catheterisation, peritoneal dialysis, suture removal and nasogastric feeds.
"I am absolutely loving the Rehab ward. I have gained so much confidence in engaging with patients, their families, Doctors, Physiotherapists and others involved in the multidisciplinary team. Staff are so warm and inviting and are willing to help in every aspect of learning. Everyone in Rehab has a very happy and positive attitude as it is about helping the patients and their families get fit and ready for home. I was afraid that I would not have the chance to be involved with many skills such as wound management and IV fluids and medications, however this is something I come across daily, and my skills are forever improving. It is fantastic and fun rotation and I would highly recommend it to anyone." (MR, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
Kew
The 30-bed Rehabilitation Unit at SGH admits patients recovering from a variety of illness including neurological conditions such as stroke and musculo-skeletal conditions such as total hip joint replacements as well as a wide variety of medical or post surgical illnesses. You will develop broad medication knowledge, consolidate time management, and develop excellent discharge planning skills in liaison with the multi-disciplinary team. Other experiences will include blood transfusions, bladder ultrasounds, ECG’s, catheterisation, wound care, suture removal, IV hydration/antibiotics and nasogastric care. Bonuses of this rotation are free car parking and minimal night duty.
“Rehab Kew was the perfect place to start my nursing career. The sub acute area gave me a chance to find my feet and better equipped me for future clinical areas. Also, patient needs can vary greatly and each day holds a different story” (CS- 2010 Graduate Nurse)
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10 East is a 24 bed ward with a co-located 4 bed inpatient dialysis treatment area. Nursing staff care for patients with a variety of medical conditions, ranging from acute stroke, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy to acute renal failure. There is an opportunity to care for renal transplant patients pre and post operatively also. There is a strong multidisciplinary team approach to patient care.
"There are so many speciality ares on this ward. Every day you are faced with something different, a new challenge. A great place to build on your skill and knowledge." (JG, 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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Ellerslie is a 26 bed transition care unit whose patients have an average length of stay of 2 to 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.
We also care for patients who have sustained a fracture and require a non weight bearing period before rehabilitation is considered. The aim of care is to optimise health and functional status while longer term plans are being finalised.
Ellerslie supports a 7 chair day respite program.
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. Opportunities to explore the integration of hospital and community services are provided. The team is renowned for its caring and dedicated approach to best practice.
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7 East is a busy 28 bed fast paced ward with interesting and diverse surgical patients such as breast and thyroid surgery, gastrectomies, appendectomies, lap choles and Whipple's procedures. Team members provide graduate support sessions to discuss issues such as time management, patient care standards and how to cope with night duty.
"7 East is a challenging environment to work in. It requires hard work, however this pays off when you see how much you have learnt in such a small time. The staff are always there for support and expect your best, there are great nurses in the making on 7 East." (SS- 2011 Graduate Nurse)
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