Careers in nursing and midwifery

Profession statistics
  • Nursing is the largest occupational group in the health sector worldwide, accounting for approximately 50% of all health professionals
  • The global nursing workforce is 27.9 million*
  • In 2020 Australia had 450,000 registered nurses and/or midwives, making it the largest clinical workforce in the country**
  • Most registered nurses begin their career on a salary approximately between $60,000 – $65,000 however this can vary significantly depending on shifts/allowances etc.***

*World Health Organisation (2020) 
**Australian Department of Health (2020)

*** Health Times (2021)

Demand for nurses and midwives remains high especially with the predicted shortfall in the profession over the coming decades. And with the increased public awareness of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic nurses and midwives’ skills and knowledge has never been more sought after.

Nurses play a crucial role in our health care system, assessing and managing care of patients and their families. Being a nurse is a challenging and fulfilling career, where no two days are the same, providing constant opportunities to develop and learn new skills and knowledge. As a nurse you have the opportunity, with further study, to specialise in a variety of areas such as, cardiac care, perioperative (surgical) nursing, intensive care, emergency, mental health, paediatrics and more.

Midwives support and work with birthing women and their families throughout their pregnancy and birth and then on into the postnatal period. Midwives are highly trained to provide and manage care.

A degree from Monash University in nursing or nursing and midwifery prepares you for career opportunities in metropolitan, rural and remote environments. Nurses and midwives are self-starters who work independently but are also part of a wider team of healthcare professionals working in a variety of settings.

Monash Nursing and Midwifery graduates are well regarded and sought after by industry. Your time at Monash will equip you with exceptional skills and knowledge with the ability to work in a team and autonomously to provide the best evidence-based care possible for your patients.

Our students obtain graduate year positions with some of the following public health care providers:

Nurses and midwives work in a variety of areas and settings such as:

  • Alfred Health
  • Austin Health
  • Bass Coast Health
  • Eastern Heath
  • Bendigo Health
  • Calvary Health Care
  • Latrobe Regional Hospital
  • Mercy Health
  • Monash Health
  • Peninsula Health
  • Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
  • Royal Women's Hospital
  • St Vincent’s Hospital
  • Royal Children's Hospital
  • Royal Melbourne Hospital
  • Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
  • West Gippsland Healthcare
  • Western Health
  • And many others
  • Acute Care
  • Aged Care
  • Allied Health
  • Birthing centers
  • Cardiology
  • Community Health
  • Critical Care
  • Education
  • Emergency
  • General Practice
  • Government
  • Health Promotion
  • Industry and Commerce
  • Management
  • Mental Health
  • NGOs
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Paediatrics (neonatal, special baby care units, etc)
  • Prisons and Secure Hospitals Industry
  • Public and Private hospitals
  • Private Practice
  • Policy maker/groups
  • Research
  • Surgical
  • Trauma
  • And so many more