Education level
Job area
Your role as an undergraduate student in nursing
As an undergraduate student in nursing (USIN), you'll work under the supervision of a registered nurse to support the care of people with injuries, illnesses and long term health problems.
This includes:
- monitoring vital signs – temperature, pulse and blood pressure
- basic clinical care – ECGs, blood glucose readings and wound care
- personal care – showering, dressing, eating and moving around
We have casual and part time roles, and will work with you to fit your workload around study and clinical placements.
How your role is different from a registered nurse
A registered nurse has a university qualification in nursing and is endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. It’s legal for them to give patients medicine, IV treatments and other complex care. Until you’re registered, you’ll have a limited scope of work.
What your day might look like
If you work in one of our hospitals, you’ll start your shift by checking in with your registered nurse and reviewing patient needs. Throughout the day, you’ll provide hands on care, take observations, and help to treat patients while being supervised by a registered nurse.
You’ll spend time with patients, notice any changes in their condition and share updates with the care team.
If you’re working in a community clinic or a rural and remote area, you’ll care for people with a wider range of health needs. You might travel a long way to see patients in isolated areas with limited resources and support. You may also offer virtual care and telehealth support over phone and video calls.
Read more about working as an undergraduate student in nursing.
Qualifications and requirements
This role is for undergraduate nursing students who are in or have finished their second semester of the second academic year of study in the following degrees.
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science
You can also apply in the fourth semester of your second year of study in an approved master’s degree leading to nursing registration. For example, a Master of Nursing or Master of Nursing Practice.
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your year of academic study. In your second year of academic study, you’ll start at nursing grade 2, pay point second year. You’ll get a higher rate in your third year, and when you become a registered nurse.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging
- help with ongoing professional development costs.
Rural and remote opportunities
You may be able to get financial incentives and other benefits if you work in rural and remote areas.
Professional growth
You’ll develop your professional skills through:
- orientation programs for new staff
- workplace learning and coaching
- self-directed learning
- professional development and upskilling opportunities.
Career paths
Being an undergraduate student in nursing will give you valuable skills and experience that help to kickstart your career as a registered nurse.
Once you're qualified, you can do more training to work in these other roles.
- Clinical nurse
- Clinical nurse consultant
- Nurse educator
- Nurse practitioner
- Midwife
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.