HECS-HELP Initiative for GradConnect Newly Qualified Nurses and Midwives

Eligibility for this initiative requires NQNMs to be recruited through the GradConnect process for a graduate program within WACHS (external site).

GradConnect is the centralised recruitment process for NQNMs to apply and access a wide range of employment opportunities within WA public health services.

Other eligibility criteria

1. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent visa holders who meet the HECS-HELP (external site) loan eligibility
2. Newly qualified registered nurses and midwives commence employment to a position through GradConnect with WACHS on or after 1 July 2023.
3. Only applicable to permanent or fixed term contracts of 12 months or longer.
4. Casual contracts or fixed term contracts less than 12 months are ineligible.

Conditions

• If the NQNM has previously received a CNMO scholarship to cover tuition fees during their undergraduate degree that is equal to, or exceeds, $12,000 the grant will be proportionate to the difference of the scholarship amount and the $12,000.
• Applicants must provide evidence of their current HECS-HELP loan balance. To access your HECS-HELP loan balance, please contact the Australian Taxation Office. Any non-HECS-HELP costs incurred by the employee are not covered by this scheme.
• Applicants can be seconded to different hospitals across WACHS and remain eligible.
• Moving from a WACHS site to a metro site renders employees ineligible for payment.

Application process

• There is no formal application to complete. , The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office and WACHS collaborate to ensure GradConnect NQNM meeting the eligibility criteria are contacted directly to access funding.
• GradConnect applicants starting on or after 1 July 2023, will be contacted after having completed 12months of continuous service with WACHS.

Payment schedule

• Employees must work for a minimum of 12 months continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the first incentive payment.
• Employees must work for a minimum of 2 years continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the second incentive payment.
• Employees must work for a minimum of 3 years continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the third incentive payment.
• Casual contracts and fixed term contracts less than 12 months are ineligible.