Post Interview Process

Decision Timeline

Standard healthcare roles: 3–5 business days after interview.

Senior / specialist roles: 5–10 business days (may require panel review or additional reference checks).

Urgent fill / agency shifts: 24–48 hours.

The recruiter should follow up with the hiring manager within 2 business days of the interview to request feedback and gauge timeline.

Offer Process

1. Verbal offer: Recruiter receives verbal confirmation from the hiring manager. Recruiter calls the candidate to discuss role, pay rate, start date, and any conditions.

2. Written offer: Formal offer letter issued by the facility or agency. Candidate reviews and signs.

3. Acceptance: Candidate returns signed offer. Recruiter confirms start date with facility and initiates onboarding checklist.

Important: The recruiter acts as the intermediary at all stages. Candidates should not contact the facility directly regarding offer terms.

Notice Period Guidance

Standard notice periods in Australian healthcare:

• Registered Nurse (permanent): 2–4 weeks

• Clinical Nurse Specialist: 4 weeks

• Nurse Unit Manager / senior: 4–8 weeks

Most facilities will accommodate standard notice periods. Candidates should not resign until a written offer has been signed and a confirmed start date is agreed.

Compliance & Onboarding (Public Hospitals)

Once an offer is accepted, the following steps apply to all public hospital placements in Victoria:

1. National Police Check — Must be issued within the last 12 months. ACIC-accredited provider required (e.g. Fit2Work, National Crime Check). Processing: 1–3 business days.

2. Credential Verification — The facility’s HR team will independently verify AHPRA registration, Working With Children Check, and immunisation records. Candidates should ensure all credentials are current and unrestricted.

3. Occupational Health Screening — Arranged by the facility, typically within the first week. Includes fit-for-duty assessment, drug and alcohol screening (some facilities), tuberculosis screening (if required).

4. Mandatory Orientation — All public hospitals require a mandatory orientation session before the first shift. Duration: typically 1–2 days. Covers facility policies, emergency codes, IT systems (EMR training), and manual handling.

5. IT & Systems Access — Staff ID badge, EMR system login, email and intranet access. Allow 3–5 business days for provisioning after orientation.

Compliance (Private Hospitals)

Private hospitals follow a similar process with some variations:

• Police Check requirements are the same

• Some private facilities accept a statutory declaration in lieu of occupational health screening

• Orientation is typically shorter (half day to 1 day)

• Some private hospitals require professional indemnity insurance