SFYP Graduate Nurse - National Positions

About this role

Graduate Registered Nurse (Supported First Year of Practice Programme 2027)

 

Ngā kawenga | About the role

Start your nursing career in one of New Zealand's most unique healthcare environments.

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is seeking Graduate Registered Nurses to join our permanent nursing workforce through our Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP) Programme and provide person-centred healthcare within correctional facilities across Aotearoa.

Working alongside experienced health professionals, you'll deliver primary and mental health care while developing strong clinical assessment, decision-making, and communication skills. These are permanent Registered Nurse positions (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) commencing from December 2026 or January 2027, with successful candidates participating in the 12-month Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP) Programme beginning in February 2027.

As a graduate nurse with Corrections Health Services (Pae Ora), you will be supported through a structured 12-month Supported First Year of Practice programme that combines a two-day foundation workshop, dedicated learning time, clinical preceptorship, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development. Designed specifically for the custodial health environment, the programme will help you build confidence, clinical judgement, ethical decision-making, and professional identity while progressing from orientation to autonomous practice. Through practical learning, real-world scenarios, career development opportunities, and support from experienced nurses, you will develop the skills needed to provide safe, person-centred healthcare in one of New Zealand's most unique and rewarding nursing settings.

Important: If you have already applied for the Graduate Registered Nurse (SFYP 2027) position advertised in September 2026, you do not need to submit another application. An email has been sent to existing applicants regarding the change from fixed term to permanent employment and seeking consent to transfer their application to this vacancy. Existing applicants should respond to that communication rather than submitting a new application.

 

The programme includes:

• Structured SFYP support and professional development
• Clinical preceptorship and reflective practice
• Dedicated learning time throughout the year

 

Locations

We are recruiting for 18 SFYP graduate nursing positions across nine regions nationwide. Applicants are encouraged to indicate up to three preferred regions in their cover letter. A regional map and comprehensive list of prison sites are included in the supporting information accompanying this advertisement, together with the position description.

 

He kōrero mōu | About you

You'll be completing, or have recently completed, a New Zealand-recognised Bachelor of Nursing qualification and be eligible for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand. We are not inviting any international applications or applications from Registered Nurses employed in positions prior to May 2026.

We're looking for graduates who:

• Are eligible to obtain an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) following state final exams in November 2026
• Can complete a PDRP paper in this first year
• Communicate effectively and build positive relationships
• Demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and sound judgement
• Work well in multidisciplinary teams
• Are committed to equitable, person-centred healthcare
• Want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives

 

At Ara Poutama Aotearoa, we recognise the unique strengths, perspectives, and leadership Māori bring to our kaupapa and the communities we serve. Guided by our whakataukī, "Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi" (there is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people), we are committed to creating lasting positive change for whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities across Aotearoa.

Through our Hōkai Rangi strategy, we are working alongside Māori to address the overrepresentation of Māori in the corrections system and to build a more responsive, fair, and effective organisation. We know that achieving this vision requires Māori voices, lived experience, mātauranga Māori, and cultural leadership at all levels of our workforce.

If you are passionate about strengthening whānau wellbeing, supporting positive change, and contributing to safer communities, we encourage you to bring your skills, experiences, and identity to Ara Poutama Aotearoa. Your whakaaro, whakapapa, and connection to community are valued here, and together we can help create brighter futures for the people we work with and the generations that follow.

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Permanent employment from commencement
• Structured and supportive transition into nursing practice
• Dedicated graduate development and preceptor support
• Diverse and rewarding clinical experiences
• Opportunities to strengthen assessment and decision-making skills
• A meaningful career contributing to healthier communities

Salary: $77,289 per annum.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Successful applicants will be appointed to permanent Registered Nurse positions and enrolled in the 12-month Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP) Programme as part of their transition to professional practice.

Applications close: 11pm Friday, 9 October 2026

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, please submit:

• A tailored CV/Resume - This MUST include 2^nd and 3^rd Year placements
• A Cover Letter outlining:
• Your motivation for joining Ara Poutama Aotearoa
• Alignment with our values and purpose
• Indicate in your cover letter your first, second, and third preferred regions for placement consideration

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email sarah.rostron@corrections.govt.nz