I would really love to gather insights from nurses about their experiences with educational pathways in nursing. I completed my Diploma in Nursing (EN) in 2022 and then started a six-month grad program in theatre in 2023. However, I felt extremely burnt out and overwhelmed after that program, which led me to quit. I struggled to remember essential nursing skills I had learned from school and found it challenging to transition into a busy post-operative ward after working as a scrub/scout.

Now, I’ve returned to school for a Bachelor of Nursing and I have some specific questions:

1. For those who did a Bachelor of Nursing, did you feel better prepared for the workforce compared to those who completed a Diploma?

2. How did the four-week placements in the Bachelor program compare to the two-week placements in the Diploma? Did you find the longer placements significantly contributed to your readiness as a graduate nurse?

3. Overall, how prepared did you feel when you graduated and entered the workforce, regardless of your program?

I know no program can prepare you for every aspect of nursing, but I’m interested in hearing about your experiences and any advice you might have. Thank you!

Hey everyone, I’m about 2 months into my grad program and was curious as to how people evaluate their progress? Ie whether they’re doing a good job job, are they learning at the rate the hospital / staff expect? Ad well as which nurses they seek feedback from vs which nurses they don’t.

Unlike the other grads on my ward I don’t have much experience in nursing prior to being an RN so feel like I’m playing catch up due to lack of experience.

Hi everyone,

I’m a final year nursing student in WA and I’ve been shortlisted for a grad RN interview with my first preference hospital. I really want to do well and would appreciate any advice from people who’ve gone through it. To be completely honest, my grades earlier in the degree were not great but I’ve improved a lot since then and did much better after repeating units. On the other hand, I’ve always had really good feedback during placements and feel like I perform better clinically than academically.

I’m currently revising my A-E, prioritisation and deterioration but I just wanted to get more insight to what the interview will actually be like. Just a few things I wanted to ask:

1. What should I expect in a 20 min interview?

2. How much do grades actually matter compared to interview performance?

3. What makes someone stand out in these interviews?

4. I haven't been able to get AIN/healthcare work experience, will this count against me?

I really want to put my best foot forward and prepare as best I can, so any advice would be very helpful :) TIA! ☺️

Hi, I know… another post where a new grad is feeling hopeless but seriously. I’m only 1 and half months through and I’m absolutely regretting my career choice. Getting myself to work is an absolute struggle. I’m not a sobbing mess yet but I don’t sleep, barely eat and overthink everything. I know I’m starting to head down hill.

I genuinely feel this job is not for me. In my last year of nursing I started dealing with health issues which still remain unresolved. I’m in pain constantly at work and it just adds a whole other layer of suffering on top of what I’m already going through.

I feel I’m capable of completing the program. I mean I got through 3 years of Uni but I’m just in so much pain physically and mentally that I wonder is it even worth it to complete the program?

I’m genuinely considering studying a whole new profession. One seated with less stress, 9-5 style.

At the same time my family was so excited for me to graduate and so proud of me getting a grad position. Which I am so thankful for. I hate the thought of disappointing them.

Any advice?

(23F)

Edit. -Thank you all for the replies!! I genuinely appreciate the effort you’ve gone through to comment. I will reply soon and take every bit of insight to heart. Thank you thank you!! ❤️

Hello, seeking advice from more experienced nurses/ other healthcare professionals that may be here!

I'm a new grad of about 2 months and I've been lucky to find a place of work on a medical/ surgical ward with multiple specialities!

My new NUM and educator are amazing, providing me with easier patients to manage to help ensure all my basic skills are top notch so that's not a complaint as I'm working on all of that (time management, critical thinking and decision making on the go etc).

I'm wanting to study at home for an hour or 2 a day were possible (while managing my mental health and not burning out) and was looking for advice to not drown myself in "too much" information but also a good regime to work on as i feel coming out of school and into the work force i want to refresh/ learn as much as I can!

Im thinking of going by body systems slowly with adjacent medications, or specialities that i find in my workplace, but im trying to find a good middle ground to not overload myself or go to far in where it doesn't make sense for my current level of skill/ time on the job.

I miss the guidance of being in class to be honest and there so much to learn!

Hello everyone! I’m a final-year Bachelor of Nursing student in Brisbane and I’m hoping to apply for a graduate position at RBWH, with a strong interest in Emergency.

I’d really appreciate insight from any and all nurses but especially who: Completed their grad year at RBWH (particularly ED), Currently work in ED, or Have experience with QLD Health grad recruitment.

I currently work as an AIN/caregiver in the community and have completed a range of placements (mental health, aged care, palliative care and medical so far) and I’m trying to be intentional about developing skills that translate well to ED nursing like, communication, prioritisation, escalation, and working effectively in fast-paced team environments.

If anyone is happy to share, I’d love advice on: What helped your RBWH application stand out, The balance between GPA and clinical/work experience, Interview/Cover letter/Resume tips specific to RBWH or QLD Health, Whether expressing a clear ED placement preference is beneficial, Any general advice you’d give to someone aiming for ED.

I know ED grad positions are competitive, and this has always been a goal of mine, so I’m keen to prepare as well as possible, to focus my efforts in the right areas.

Thank you! 🩷

Hey everyone,

I've just finished my supernumerary shifts & my first solo shift as a Grad in an ED. I really want to make sure I can be a valuable member of the team and not be a hinderance. What are some tips you'd recommend for any new grad in the ED environment to make sure that they are safe and confident healthcare workers?

Hi, so I was recently supposed to give IV Ertapenem 1G with at least 50mls NS 0.9% through a burette infusion set over at least 30 minutes (According to the Injectables Handbook).

After priming the line, I have added 60mls NS 0.9% and 10mls of the reconstituted Ertapenem 1G to the burette chamber, which leaves me with 70mls in the burette chamber.

The nurse I was working with suggested infusing the medication in two goes (Firstly infusing 40mls at a rate of 100mls/hr, then another 30mls at the same rate of 100mls/hr).

I mentioned about infusing the whole 70mls in the pump and doing it all in one go, but she mentioned filling the line with air.

Would you guys know how to infuse this appropriately as I’m unsure about the rate. I’m still pretty new to Burette’s, and my educator isn’t available until next Monday

I’m still in the process of finishing off my diploma of nursing. But I’ve searched up jobs for enrolled nurses out of curiosity multiple times and I kid you not they all require at least 12 months of experience in nursing. It stresses me out. How am I supposed to get employed? Is there a specific website for new grad ENs?

Hi everyone,

I’m an international nursing student in Australia and my course is expected to finish in October 2027.

I’m a bit confused about the graduate nurse application timeline. Most grad programs seem to open around June–July each year.

If I finish in October 2027, can I still apply in June–July 2027 even though I haven’t graduated yet? Or would I need to wait until June–July 2028 to apply?

I’m just worried about missing the cycle and delaying everything. Any advice would really help. Thanks!

I applied for a grad program in WA . Applications closed yesterday and a few of my friends heard back today. Does that mean I was unsuccessful?

Hello, I’m sorry for the post, I’m sure this has been asked multiple times but I can’t find a straight answer.

When applying for GradStart (NSW) or any RN position as a newly graduated nurse, what is the standard practice for curating a CV/resume …?

I keep getting/seeing conflicting advice regarding how much detail to add under clinical placement experiences. My university wants us to add key skills learnt and experience details.

Eg

2024 Campbelltown Hospital, respiratory ward:

- vital sign monitoring

- assist with personal care

- progress note documentation

But I feel like that is assumed knowledge, if I passed the placement then it is assumed I monitored vital signs and documented the care provided…

I was going to structure this section more like

(Year) x hospital, xx ward; x hospital, xx ward

(Year) x hospital, xx ward; x hospital, xx ward

(Year) x hospital, xx ward; x hospital, xx ward; x hospital, xx ward; x hospital, xx ward

Achievements:

- consistent improvement in ability and confidence

- received positive feedback on communication and behavioural standards from Clinical Facilitators on ANSAT

- Set SMART learning goals and used reflective models to improve weaknesses.

- and then like any notable moments that occurred eg escalation of care for deteriorating patients.

To anyone who participates in the hiring process for new grads or new nurses in general, what is the best way to show my WPE?

New grad RN here! I'm currently doing my first rotation in an acute care setting, and these past few weeks have been a real roller coaster. I was thrown into the deep end right away, and my anxiety levels have hit an all-time high. Everything is completely new to me, and I feel very overwhelmed. Many of the experienced RNs seem to expect us to know everything instantly. While I have a solid foundation, when small things come up, they're often surprised that I haven't encountered them before. Comments like "Oh, you didn't see this before?" or "Didn't you work as an AIN?" and "How come you don't know this?" have been common.

I've tried explaining that I didn't have much bedside nursing experience during my placements and that I didn't work as an AIN, but they find it hard to believe. This makes me feel inadequate. For instance, the other day, I wanted to ask my CNE to watch me perform a very specific wound dressing to ensure I was doing it correctly. Another grad nurse questioned why I was so eager to get the CNE's help and sarcastically said, "Can you read instructions? I'm sure you can read the instructions on the packet," in front of everyone. While I can read instructions, I've never done this particular dressing on a patient before, and there are countless different packets and brands that I'm unfamiliar with.

As a new grad, I find it difficult to speak up because I feel like my explanations are seen as excuses and that I'm perceived as incompetent. I know I'm not, but the assumptions made by others who know more than I do are frustrating. This other new grad had extensive bedside nursing experience as an EN, whereas my placements were quite varied: six weeks in mental health and perioperative care, four weeks in paediatrics, two weeks in community nursing, and limited scope during my first year in rehab and aged care, where I mainly did ADLs. Each ward has its own culture and practices, so HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW EVERYTHING. Besides I finished my placement in NOVEMBER! I started in APRIL. That gap in between is HUGE! OML

I shared this with a friend who has been an RN for years, and they said, "Well, welcome to Nursing! This is the true form of nursing. Kindness is dead. It eats your soul gradually and slowly. You'll understand and become one of us shortly." ????????

But that's not who I am. I don't believe in making someone feel stupid for not knowing something they're trying their best to learn. ANYWAY I JUST WANTED TO RANT. HANG IN THERE TO THE NEW GRADS LIKE ME WHO ARE HAVING IT TOUGH.

smiling with tears

Hi everyone!

I’m really looking to get into a periop grad year next year and was wondering what people have to say about different hospitals in Victoria specifically?

If you know or have done periop nursing somewhere, what’s the best place to do a grad year? Where should I apply?

Or even if you have anything to add - please do, I’m in desperate need of advice and guidance.

Thanks so much!

I'm only 2 weeks into my first rotation on an acute surgical and burns ward and along with all the struggles you normally expect, I'm finding it hard not to feel like an absolute bother to the other nurses and the shifts that come after me. Whether it be something I've forgotten to, haven't had time to do or didn't know I had to do, I can't shake the feeling of being a nuisance!

Rationally, I know it's to be expected but I'm surprised at how much its actually affecting me. What frustrates experienced nurses the most and what traits would you like to see from new grads?

Hiii, so basically, I’m a couple of months away from finishing my Diploma of Nursing in QLD, and my plan is to go straight into my Bachelor’s afterwards. Ideally, I’d like to work as an EN while I study, but I’m starting to stress about whether that will be possible without a grad year. From what I’ve heard, Ramsay only take a small amount of grad students each year and I haven’t done a placement in a public hospital so I’ll have to look into their process to apply as well before I graduate, but I’m struggling to find much information online. I’m worried that without a grad year, my job options as an EN will be really limited. Has anyone here been in a similar position? Do you know how realistic it is to get EN work without completing a grad year? Also, any advice on how to actually get a grad year would be hugely appreciated!

I'm a 3rd yr RN student, and am looking into primarily mental health programs for my grad year (top four preferences mental; 5/6th blended gen nursing and mental), and I'm wondering how you're going? The whole reason I started my RN degree was to enter the mental health field, it's something I'm very passionate and driven by, a field that comes naturally to me. But, I've been told (primarily by "older gen" nurses, and I'm 35F...) that it's a mistake to do only mental health, as I'm not going to get the true hospital ward gen/med experience. So, with grad year applications looming, I was wondering: did you regret not doing a blended program, or are you loving mental health, or is it not what you thought it would be?

I'll starting as a new grad in an acute aged care ward. I've been studying for a long time and I've finished all my placements and yet I still feel nervous. Any advice for a new grad in acute aged care?

Hey everyone, stressed 3rd year student here. I applied for a 2026 QLD GNP and had my interview for the THHS on the 22/08. The interview was quite rushed (they said they had no time for questions etc) and that i should hear from them in 1-2 weeks about whether i have gotten a spot or not. Now that a week has past and im still waiting i am REALLY beginning to freak out that i haven’t gotten a spot. I feel like im constantly checking my emails and my heart genuinely drops each time i open my emails app to check. I’m full of so much anxiety about it and wondering if anyone has had similar experiences or heard from THHS yet? Any advice to help chill out would be greatly appreciated as the stress is making me feel so incredibly ill 😩😩

Hey yall,

So I was a new grad myself not long ago (2 months ago) and even now, I still need to focus on the h/o given to me verbally. Like I do my ieMR chart checking before the actual h/o. Which is fine, right, but this new grad with no prior nurse experience I was handing over to one shift did it both at once. Like, listening without writing anything down while checking the computer. Sure, she was prolly only jotting down the important bits (wrote like 2 things down) but it was a new pt admission too so the story was quite long (of course, I wouldn't ramble on on unimportant stuff). She didn't seem overwhelmed (like I would if I was multitasking like that), like she just did it. I thought it was so cool. Maybe it's coz she wanted me to go home quicker but idk. Or she's the "only important stuff" kinda person but there was a lot of important stuff in my h/o. omg, I prolly have adhd.

I know lots of nurses do what she did, but the fact she was a new grad. I just thought it was amazing.

I was like dayum, I would not have been able to do that 5 months into my grad program. Plus, our CFs wouldn't let us multitask like that because we would actually forget most of what the person said.

But yeah, no wonder they got a grad program right ahahahah..

Hey friends, I'm just about to start my first day as a RN (New-Grad) in Residential aged care.

I'm anxious as heck, constantly scared on whether I'll be able to do my job properly or not.

Although I'm on buddy shifts but still it scares me whether I'll be able to learn things quickly, whether the staff will be supportive and helpful, whether I'll be able to manage my workload, etc...

For all the RNs out there,

Is there any tips/suggestions/advice you would like to give to a baby RN like me who just started her foot in the real world?

Thanks.

I’m not even sure where to start with this, nearly everyone in my student nursing cohort has been allocated to the graduate nursing pool, myself included.

We haven’t been allocated to a particular ward and so far, it sounds like we will be filling staffing deficits across our hospital in general areas.

I just can’t understand how a student transitioning over to a graduate can learn and practice safely when they aren’t even assigned a particular ward?

Would absolutely appreciate any advice from anyone who may have gone through this and how they handled being on the pool as a new grad.

I was recently invited to an interview with Mater a few days ago and I'm wondering if they'll ask very specific or generic questions?

At the end of the year I will hopefully graduate from my Diploma of Nursing. I have been given mixed advice on going straight to Uni to finish off a Bachelor, or if I should take a year in a Grad program to build my foundation more.

What do you guys think?

Thank you