Discovery Program

The Discovery Program is a comprehensive professional development program aimed at supporting the Registered Nurse, Division 1 in the transition to working within the specialty areas.
The Discovery Program offers six month placements in the following areas:

  • Intensive Care Unit
  • Coronary Care Unit
  • Theatre
  • Emergency Department ( Western & Sunshine Hospitals)

The Discovery Program exposes the Division 1 nurse to the specialty area with additional clinical support. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their learning needs by negotiating clinical learning objectives and completing a satisfactory result in an internal assessment.

ICU teaching GNP small.jpg


At the end of the six month rotation the following employment options will be discussed:

  • The area that offers the Discovery Program may recruit the participant
  • The participant chooses to apply for another six month Discovery Program (maximum of two programs per participant)
  • The participant chooses to apply for another position within Western Health
  • The participant chooses to work in bank or pool whilst awaiting an appropriate job opportunity.


The Discovery Program provides Division 1 nurses with a great opportunity to gain an insight into specialty areas whilst receiving ongoing support from clinical educators. The program runs twice a year with the new intakes in January and July.


For all enquiries, contact the relevant Clinical Nurse Educator for the speciality on 83456666
If you wish to apply for the Discovery Program, please send your CV and covering letter to:  

Human Resources
Western Hospital
Gordon Street, Footscray 3011
Phone: (03) 8345 6689

or email: westernhealthhr@wh.org.au