Whether you’re a recent nursing graduate or an experienced practitioner looking to transition into a new role, understanding how to tackle the selection criteria is essential for securing your dream job with WA Health.
Read our WA nursing selection criteria examples and how-to guide to learn how to complete your application effectively.
Finding WA Nursing Jobs
You can find WA nursing jobs within the main WA Jobs website or the WA Health website.
Once you have found a role you want to apply for, you’ll need to read the application documents carefully to determine what is required.
Often, this will be:
- A statement addressing the selection criteria +
- A current nursing resume which summarises your experience and how you can meet the position requirements.
Example WA Health Nursing Job Description
Role: Registered Nurse (Theatres)
Primary Purpose of the Role:
Under the direction of the relevant Senior Registered Nurse(s) practises as a Registered Nurse in keeping with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board Registration Standards and Nursing Practice Decision Flowchart. Provides comprehensive evidence-based nursing care to patients as part of a multidisciplinary team. Upholds and functions within the core values of the organisation and nursing values of Care, Respect, Innovation, Teamwork & Integrity.
WA Nursing Selection Criteria
1. Eligible for registration in the category of Registered Nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
2. Demonstrates relevant clinical skills.
3. Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Identifies work related problems and determines appropriate interventions and evaluatesoutcomes.
5. Participates in and supports nursing and multidisciplinary team processes and goals.
6. Demonstrates ability to adapt to changes in the workplace.
Formatting Your Statement
Start by using each selection criterion as a heading for your responses. You may like to make each heading BOLD, so it is easy to read. Use a standard font, like Arial size 11, and standard page margins. Make sure you adhere to length requirements.
The STAR Format
The STAR format is a method for writing your selection criteria responses. It stands for:
Situation: What role were you in?
Task: What did you need to do?
Action: What DID you do?
Result: What was the outcome of your efforts?
Keep this format in mind when writing each of your examples. Remember to use specific situations and quantifiable results where possible.
Our selection criteria writers can work with you to gather detailed examples that reflect the selection criteria. They will then ensure your documents are presented in the correct format, positioning you as the ideal candidate for the role.
WA Nursing Selection Criteria: Examples
Using the above criteria, a response to the selection criteria could be as follows:
1. Eligible for registration in the category of Registered Nurse by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
As a registered nurse, I have consistently maintained my registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. This ensures that I am legally eligible to practice nursing within the Australian healthcare system.
2. Demonstrates relevant clinical skills.
While working as a registered nurse in a busy surgical unit, I encountered a situation where a patient experienced a sudden post-operative complication. It was my responsibility to assess the patient’s condition, intervene appropriately, and ensure the best possible outcome.
Upon noticing the patient’s sudden change in vital signs and increased agitation, I quickly performed a thorough assessment, including assessing their airway, breathing, and circulation. Recognising signs of respiratory distress, I promptly initiated oxygen therapy and called for assistance from the medical team.
Utilising my clinical skills, I administered prescribed medications to address the underlying cause of the complication while continuously monitoring the patient’s response and vital signs. I remained calm and reassured the patient throughout the process, effectively communicating with them and their family members to keep them informed and alleviate anxiety.
Due to my prompt intervention and effective utilisation of clinical skills, the patient’s condition stabilised, and they were transferred to the intensive care unit for further monitoring and management. Subsequent evaluations revealed that the patient experienced a positive outcome, with no further complications reported.
My ability to demonstrate relevant clinical skills in this critical situation contributed to the patient’s well-being and underscored the importance of competent nursing care in the perioperative setting.
3. Demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills.
During a busy shift in the surgical ward, I encountered a patient who was anxious about their upcoming surgery and was reluctant to discuss their concerns with the medical team. My task was to establish effective communication with the patient, address their concerns, and ensure they felt supported throughout their surgical journey.
I approached the patient with empathy and compassion, introducing myself and actively listening to their worries and fears. Using open-ended questions, I encouraged the patient to express their concerns and provided them with information about the surgical procedure in a clear and understandable manner.
I validated their emotions and assured them that their well-being was our top priority. Through active listening and non-verbal cues such as maintaining eye contact and adopting a supportive posture, I established rapport and trust with the patient, creating a safe space for them to share their concerns openly.
Additionally, I involved the patient in the decision-making process regarding their care, empowering them to voice their preferences and concerns. As a result of my effective communication and interpersonal skills, the patient’s anxiety decreased, and they expressed gratitude for taking the time to listen to their concerns.
They felt more informed and confident about the upcoming surgery, which facilitated a smoother transition into the operating room. The patient’s positive feedback highlighted the importance of effective communication in alleviating anxiety and enhancing the patient experience. Additionally, fostering a therapeutic relationship with the patient contributed to a more collaborative and patient-centered approach to care delivery in the surgical ward.
4. Identifies work-related problems and determines appropriate interventions and evaluates outcomes.
While working in the surgical unit, I noticed a recurring issue with the availability of essential surgical supplies, leading to delays in patient care and increased stress among the nursing staff. I needed to identify the root cause of the supply shortage, implement appropriate interventions to address the issue, and evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in improving workflow and patient care.
I began by conducting a thorough analysis of the supply chain process, including inventory management and procurement procedures. Through discussions with colleagues and observations of workflow patterns, I identified inefficiencies in the supply ordering system and discrepancies in stock levels. To address these issues, I collaborated with the unit manager and supply chain department to streamline the ordering process, establish par levels for essential supplies, and implement a real-time tracking system to monitor inventory levels more effectively.
Additionally, I organised staff training sessions to educate nurses on the importance of inventory management and the proper use of supplies to prevent waste. After implementing these interventions, I closely monitored the supply chain metrics and workflow efficiency, tracking key performance indicators such as turnaround time for supply orders and incidence of stockouts.
As a result of my proactive approach to identifying and addressing work-related problems, there was a noticeable improvement in supply availability and workflow efficiency within the surgical unit. The incidence of supply shortages decreased significantly, leading to reduced delays in patient care and enhanced staff satisfaction.
Through regular evaluations and feedback from staff members, I confirmed the sustained effectiveness of the interventions implemented, demonstrating a tangible improvement in the overall quality of patient care and operational efficiency within the unit. My ability to identify work-related problems and implement appropriate interventions underscored my commitment to optimising patient care delivery and promoting a positive work environment for all staff members.
5. Participates in and supports nursing and multidisciplinary team processes and goals.
In the surgical ward, a patient required complex post-operative care involving coordination between various healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and social workers. Recognising the intricate nature of the patient’s care needs, I took the initiative to facilitate regular interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss the patient’s treatment plan, progress, and goals.
During these meetings, I actively contributed insights from a nursing perspective, advocating for comprehensive care that addressed the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. I collaborated closely with other team members, sharing relevant patient information, and ensuring continuity of care across different disciplines.
Additionally, I promoted open communication and mutual respect among team members, fostering a collaborative work environment where everyone’s expertise was valued. Outside of formal meetings, I proactively sought opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, engaging in informal discussions and joint assessments to develop holistic care plans tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
Through my active participation and support of nursing and multidisciplinary team processes and goals, the patient received comprehensive, coordinated care that addressed all aspects of their health and well-being. The interdisciplinary collaboration facilitated timely interventions, minimised gaps in care, and optimised the patient’s recovery trajectory.
Feedback from team members indicated a high level of satisfaction with the collaborative approach. This highlighted the positive impact on patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of care delivery in the surgical ward. My dedication to supporting team processes and goals not only enhanced patient care but also fostered a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among healthcare professionals, ultimately contributing to a positive work environment conducive to excellence in patient care.
6. Demonstrates ability to adapt to changes in the workplace (including clinical situations).
In the surgical unit, a sudden influx of emergency cases led to a significant increase in workload and required immediate adjustments to the staffing schedule and patient care priorities. Understanding the urgency of the situation, I quickly assessed the evolving needs of the unit and collaborated with the nursing manager to reassign staff and redistribute resources based on priority.
I remained flexible and willing to take on additional responsibilities as needed, stepping in to assist colleagues with patient care tasks and procedures to alleviate the strain on the team. Despite the increased workload and fast-paced environment, I maintained a calm and composed demeanour. Reassuring patients and colleagues alike while prioritising patient safety above all else.
Additionally, I actively sought feedback from team members and adapted my approach to communication and teamwork to accommodate the changing dynamics of the unit. Throughout the shift, I remained vigilant and adaptable, ready to respond to any unforeseen challenges or emergencies that arose.
As a result of my ability to adapt to changes in the workplace and clinical situations, the surgical unit was able to effectively manage the surge in patient volume without compromising the quality of care. By reallocating resources and optimising workflow processes, we were able to maintain patient safety standards and ensure timely delivery of care to all patients. Feedback from colleagues highlighted the value of adaptability in navigating challenging situations. This underscored the importance of remaining flexible and responsive in dynamic healthcare environments.
My demonstrated ability to adapt to changes not only facilitated the smooth operation of the surgical unit during times of increased demand. But also reinforced a culture of resilience and teamwork among staff members.
We hope these WA nursing selection criteria examples have been helpful. If you need more help with your application, please contact us for a quote.
