Frequently asked questions about MidStart

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I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply to MidStart?

You must be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident to apply to MidStart. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia who hold a current Special Category Visa are considered to have permanent residency status.

I live outside NSW. Am I eligible to apply to MidStart?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for MidStart if you live outside NSW. Only universities and hospitals within NSW take part in MidStart. You must undertake employment as a midwifery student in NSW.

Can I start preparing my application before MidStart applications officially open?

Yes. Applications open online 21 May 2024. You should prepare your application in advance. When preparing your application there are a few things to consider including recruitment requirements, training and study locations, and addressing the selection criteria.

I am in my final year of Bachelor of Nursing degree. Can I apply to MidStart?

No. You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board Australia as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) at the time you apply to MidStart.

Do I need experience as a registered nurse to apply to MidStart?

Prior experience as a registered nurse is not included in the MidStart selection criteria. MidStart is a merit based competitive recruitment process. Employment history and clinical experience is considered in the recruitment process.

I would like to complete GradStart and MidStart at the same time. Is this possible?

No. MidStart is the recruitment process for registered nurses seeking employment as a midwifery student in a NSW public hospital.

As a graduate registered nurse, you may apply to MidStart for the following year. You must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Board Australia as a Registered Nurse (Division 1) at the time you apply to MidStart.

Why am I applying to the NSW Health MidStart Program before I enrol in a postgraduate midwifery program at university?

MidStart is the state-wide annual recruitment process for registered nurses seeking employment as a midwifery student in a NSW public hospital. The recruitment process for MidStart commences the year before midwifery students commence employment and in advance of university enrolments opening.

University enrolment to undertake midwifery studies is a separate process to MidStart. Enrolment procedures and timelines vary between the NSW Universities who offer an approved postgraduate midwifery program. Please visit their respective websites for key dates and further information.

I have missed the application closing date. Can I still apply?

No. MidStart is a once yearly state-wide application and recruitment process. Applications close 11:59pm Monday 3 June 2024. Late applications will not be received. You are welcome to apply next year.

Can I request to be employed on reduced hours?

Employment contracts are determined so that students meet the requirements to gain midwifery registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Requests to be employed at reduced hours must be discussed with the local MidStart Coordinator at your preferred facility and prior to interview.

Do I need to nominate all six preferences for training location in my application?

You must nominate a minimum of one preference of training location in your application.

I have forgotten my password. How can I gain access to the system to complete my application?

If you are a paid employee or paid contractor with NSW Health, your password can be re-set by contacting the Statewide service desk on 1300 28 55 33. If you are not a paid employee or paid contractor with NSW Health, your password can be re-set either via the “forgot your password” link at login or, by contacting the Customer Experience Team on 1300 679 367.

This is the first time I have used the NSW Health Career Portal for a job application. Is there a resource to assist me to use this system?

Yes. For assistance using the Career Portal for your MidStart application, please access the Nursing and Midwifery Office GradStart​ and MidStart Annual Recruitment Career Portal video.

I have been successful in gaining a MidStart position. Does this mean that I will be automatically enrolled into the university of my choice?

No. Application to MidStart for a midwifery student position is a separate process to university

enrolment. You must apply to study at university separately. Refer to MidStart Handbook page 7.

I have received a letter from the local health district stating I am on the Eligible Applicants’ Bank. What does this mean?

Being placed on the Eligible Applicants’ Bank means that you are eligible for employment but are not allocated a position. This occurred because of a limited number of positions were available at your preferences. The Eligible Applicants’ Bank is open to employers from Monday 2 September 2024 to fill vacancies. These vacancies can occur because other applicants decline position offers or withdraw from the recruitment.

The Eligible Applicants Bank will remain open until May 2025. To accept a position during second round, applicants must gain enrolment into an approved postgraduate midwifery program at university.

I was not successful in gaining a MidStart position. Can I apply next year?

Yes. Eligible if you have been unsuccessful in gaining a MidStart position, you can apply again in the future. You are encouraged to seek post interview feedback before re-applying for MidStart.

Do I need to resign from my job to accept a midwifery student position?

Successful MidStart candidates will be employed on a temporary contract by the local health district. You should discuss with your current employer your intention to apply to MidStart and future employment arrangements.

Can I take unplanned leave or defer my MidStart program?

Once you are employed, any position changes or requests are managed on an individual basis by the employing local health district. Discuss any unplanned leave or deferral from the MidStart program with your local MidStart Coordinator.

If I need to attend a residential school as part of my midwifery studies, will I be paid as a midwifery student to attend?

Contact your Local Health District MidStart Coordinator to discuss specific employment arrangements.


Current as at: Thursday 28 March 2024
Contact page owner: Nursing and Midwifery