Registered Nurse Mental Health - Incentives Offered *
Build Your Future in Mental Health Nursing – Wherever Life Takes You
Employment Type: Permanent Full and Part Time, Temporary Time and Part Time (until June 2027) and Casual Opportunities
Position Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $37.48 - $52.62 Per Hour + 12% Super + Salary Packaging + Allowances + Rural Health Incentives*
Hours Per Week: up to 38
Requisition ID: REQ637251
Applications Close: Tuesday, 24th February 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis
At Hunter New England Mental Health Service, you’ll be part of a service that truly values its people and the communities we serve. We are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and high-quality care, and we offer opportunities to work across diverse settings, from inpatient wards and community clinics to specialist services. Here, your skills will be valued, your career will grow, and your work will make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
Location Options:
Whether you’re drawn to rural living or the energy of a coastal town, we have a role that fits your lifestyle:
📍 Taree, Tamworth, Armidale, *** (*rural incentives apply), Morisset, Maitland & Newcastle (Mater Mental Health, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Nexus).
What We Offer Our Nurses:
Rural incentives up to $10,000 in your first year (*location dependent)
Relocation support to make your move seamless (*where rural health incentives apply)
Salary packaging benefits - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
Six weeks’ annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)
Allocated Days Off for full-time employees
Up to 14 weeks’ paid parental leave
Fitness Passport discounts for you and your family
A Rewarding Career Awaits
Work with people across all stages of life - children, adolescents, adults, and older persons
Access ongoing clinical supervision, training, and leadership development
Join a multicultural team that values inclusivity, collaboration, and support
Flexible contracts designed to suit your lifestyle
New to Mental Health Nursing? No Problem.
We’ll guide you every step of the way with:
A structured four-day orientation course to build your mental health foundations
Supernumerary days with on-ward mentorship
On-shift support from experienced educators
Online learning designed with input from clinicians and people with lived experience
What You’ll Need:
Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse
Eligible to drive in NSW
Valid work rights in Australia - We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Take the next step in your mental health nursing career - with the flexibility, support, and community you need to thrive.
Apply now and discover the role that fits your life.
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Benjamin Tinman on hnelhd-mhnursingrecriutment@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
* Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. Please note: the increased RHWIS allowance is approved until 30th June 2026. Commencement after this date may be subject to change, including the allowance amount for which the candidate may be eligible. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact HNELHD-RuralIncentives@health.nsw.gov.au.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via nswhealth@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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