Post Graduate Certificate, Neonatal Special Care 2027

Post Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Neonatal Special Care for 2027

• Build specialist knowledge and skills | Develop advanced clinical expertise and confidence in your chosen area of nursing, supported by Barwon Health's Clinical Education Team
• Expand career opportunities | Gain a recognised qualification that can open doors to specialty roles, career progression and leadership opportunities
• Invest in your professional growth | Strengthen your practice, stay up to date with evidence-based care and make a greater impact on patient outcomes

About the role

Join Barwon Health’s Special Care Nursery and take the next step in your neonatal nursing career through the 2026 Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Special Care program. Based at University Hospital Geelong, our Level 5 Special Care Nursery provides care for neonates from 31 weeks gestation, including premature, complex and critically ill infants.

You’ll develop advanced neonatal nursing skills and knowledge while completing the Master of Neonatal Nursing at La Trobe University, with the option to exit with a Graduate Certificate or Diploma. Our experienced education team will provide comprehensive support throughout the program, creating a structured and supportive learning environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide safe, high-quality and family-centred care to premature, complex and critically ill neonates
• Develop advanced neonatal nursing skills and knowledge through clinical practice and postgraduate study
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, deliver and evaluate neonatal care
• Communicate effectively with neonates’ families and incorporate Family Centred Care principles into practice
• Participate in structured education, clinical support and learning opportunities throughout the program
• Contribute to a safe, supportive and positive team environment within the Special Care Nursery

What the Program Offers  

• 64 per fortnight, temporary part-time positions commencing November 2026
• Join our nursery team and gain hands-on practical experience prior to commencing postgraduate study in 2027 In Collaboration with La Trobe University
• Opportunity to undertake a Master of Neonatal Nursing at La Trobe University, with the flexibility to exit with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma if required
• Dedicated support from our education team throughout the program, proving a structured and enriching learning environment
• Education and clinical support provided by the dedicated Special Care Nursery education team
• Eligible nurses and midwives are entitled to examination leave and study leave under the Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement.

Continued employment in this postgraduate nursing/ midwifery position is contingent upon the successful completion of all local clinical requirements and academic requirements associated with the affiliated University 

About the service  

The Special Care Nursery at University Hospital Geelong is a level five neonatal unit serving the Barwon Southwest region. Equipped to care for up to 20 infants simultaneously, the nursery features two dedicated resuscitation rooms. We provide comprehensive care for neonates from 31 weeks gestation, admitting babies from various sources including the birthing suite, postnatal ward, operating theatre, home, emergency department, and through transfers from other healthcare facilities.    

Barwon Health is excited to announce the development of a new Women’s and Children’s Tower, a significant addition that will enhance our paediatric, maternity, and neonatal services. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate future growth and expand our capacity, ensuring that families in Geelong and the surrounding communities receive the highest standard of care right in their local area. The new tower will provide advanced, specialised services for women and children, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. 

Position Description

Barwon Health staff benefits

• Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Extensive professional development opportunities
• Attractive salary packaging benefits
  • Living expenses capped at $9,010
  • Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650

For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click here

Diversity and inclusion

Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Child safety

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards

Additional information

If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au

All appointments are subject to:

• Satisfactory Police Record Check
• Immunisation Status Clearance
• Working with Children Check (if applicable)

To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.