The nursing team at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of our community. ISLHD is working to foster a high-performing nursing and midwifery workforce that demonstrates person-centred care in the practice. We achieve this by collaborating with staff, reflecting on our work and having honest conversations about practice and performance.
We have a supervision framework in place that we are continuously striving to improve. We also have a strong learning and development and research culture. We are striving to build research capacity and capability within our nursing and midwifery workforce and have a very strong alliance with the University of Wollongong.
We have over 3,400 nurses and midwives working for the health of our community. Our nurses and midwives work across a wide range of areas including Aboriginal health, aged care, cancer care, cardiology, community health, drug and alcohol, emergency, forensic medicine, general medicine, intensive care, mental health, neonatal intensive care, orthopaedics, paediatrics, perioperative services, research, renal services, sexual health, surgery, neurosurgery, rehabilitation and palliative care as well as roles in management and education.
Our midwives work in maternity units, antenatal clinics, birth units, postnatal and neonatal units, community-based health services, childbirth and parent education classes across the District.
New graduate nurses and midwives can work in a diverse range of clinical settings within ISLHD.
Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program
The NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program provides support and assistance to Aboriginal people currently studying or about to study an undergraduate nursing or midwifery degree at university.
Successful cadets will receive:
- Study allowance of $600 each fortnight while undertaking a university nursing or midwifery degree
- A $500 support allowance each semester
- Access to an Aboriginal mentor, cadet coordinator and additional clinical support
- Up to 12 weeks of paid employment in a local public hospital or Justice Health facility.
More information can be found at Cadetship Program.
Aboriginal Undergraduate Scholarships
Scholarships of up to $1,000 per subject are available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery.
Applicants must be:
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
- known and accepted in the community in which you live or have lived
- a resident of NSW
- enrolled in an Australian Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery degree.
- willing to participate in an evaluation or telephone survey about the Aboriginal scholarships program.
Note: Scholarships will not be provided to any applicant undertaking a NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship.
More information can be found at NSW Health - Aboriginal Undergraduate Scholarships.
Career Opportunities
We are always looking for dedicated and quality focused staff to join our workforce and help make a difference to our diverse communities. Whether you are looking for a full time, part time or casual position, we would love to hear from you.
We also welcome enquiries from nurses or midwives looking to re-enter the profession, internationally qualified nurses/midwives and upcoming nursing and midwifery graduates.
Our current nursing and midwifery vacancies are advertised on: https://jobs.health.nsw.gov.au/islhd
GradStart Program (for newly registered nurses & midwives)
Start your career with confidence at ISLHD
As a newly graduated Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife, you're about to begin one of the most important stages of your professional journey. Designed to support your transition into professional practice, GradStart provides the experience, support and development opportunities needed to help you succeed.
You'll gain hands-on experience across diverse clinical settings, build your skills in a supportive team environment and develop the confidence to deliver high-quality care. With strong peer support, precepting and mentoring, structured education, simulation-based learning, professional development study days and tailored development pathways, GradStart is designed to set you up for long-term success.
Why choose Gradstart at ISLHD?
Program Benefits
- Wide range of clinical streams and settings
- Clinical Nurse and Midwifery Educator support
- Fully paid study days
- Simulation-based learning opportunities
- Facilitated reflective practice (C.A.R.E.)
- Regular peer support
- Preceptor support throughout clinical rotations
- Individualised development plans
- Formal orientation and local site induction
- Ongoing career opportunities across ISLHD
Clinical Opportunities:
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Why Choose ISLHD?
At ISLHD, you'll have the opportunity to build your career while enjoying the lifestyle of one of Australia's most beautiful coastal regions.
Stretching from IIlawarra to the Shoalhaven, the region offers stunning beaches, national parks, vibrant communities and easy access to Sydney. Combined with diverse clinical experiences, supportive teams and professional development opportunities, ISLHD provides an ideal environment to begin your nursing or midwifery career.
Locations
There are seven hospitals and two services included in the GradStart program. Applicants are asked to nominate their preferred geographical area when applying;
The sites and services located for each are:
ISLHD Northern Illawarra Hospital Group |
ISLHD Shoalhaven Hospital Group |
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Application Information
Applications for the 2027 GradStart Program open at 9:00am Tuesday 16 June 2026 and close at 11:59pm Monday 29 June 2026.
Applications are submitted online through the NSW Health.
Helpful Resources
For information on:
- The GradStart recruitment process
- Interview preparation and tips
- The GradStart Handbook
- Information for international students
visit the NSW Health Gradstart
Further Information
For more information about the ISLHD GradStart Program, please contact the Transition to Professional Practice Nurse Manager at ISLHD-gradstartrecruitment@health.nsw.gov.au
Postgraduate Midwife (MidStart 2027)
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) Maternity Services offers opportunities for Registered Nurses to undertake postgraduate study to become a registered Midwife.
MidStart students will be employed at either Wollongong Hospital (Wollongong) or Shoalhaven Hospital (Nowra) while they complete their 12-month MidStart program.
ISLHD MidStart Midwifery students will be supported by the Mentoring in Midwifery Program (MiMS program), Clinical Midwifery Educators, and Clinical Supervision (Reflective Practice).
MidStart Midwifery students will have the opportunity to work in all areas of the Maternity services. Midwifery student experiences can include Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), Midwifery in the Home (MITH), Antenatal, Postnatal, Aboriginal Maternal and Infant health Services, Substance Use in Pregnancy & Parenting (SUPPS), Neonatal and Intrapartum care.
Applications
Applications for the 2027 ISLHD MidStart program can be submitted via: NSW Health MidStart.
More information
For more information visit the Frequently asked questions about MidStart page, or review the 2027 MidStart Handbook.
You can also contact Nadine Taylor, Midwifery Educator, via nadine.taylor1@health.nsw.gov.au or 0436 671 963.