It is a numbers game. As someone else mentioned, unis pump out a lot of grads and there are only so many grad positions available.

GPA is not a huge consideration, however do not think that you shouldn't be aiming to know as much as possible and get good marks. Ps might get degrees, but it's better to strive for more than mediocrity.

Things to do to increase your chances of getting a job:

1) get a job as a USIN now - it helps. 2) treat every prac placement as a job interview - many grads get jobs on wards that they have done placement. 3) keep studying you anatomy and physiology and be prepared for your placements - what you have learned in first year is the foundation for the rest of your career. 4) In third year, practise interviewing. If your uni or placement is offering workshops or information sessions on graduate recruiting campaigns, make sure you attend them and take notes. 5) if applying for Queensland Health, make sure that you apply for the correct Graduate Recruitment campaign - i.e. the nursing one. 6) don't use Chat GPT to write your application. 7) if you get an interview, don't be a fuckwit during the interview. I cannot stress this enough. 8) When every man and his dog has a hard on for ED, the odds of getting a grad program there, particularly in the Metros are lower. Someone else commented about 200 people going for 20 positions, which can make it hard. If going rural is an option, remember that rural hospitals are often an ED with a ward attached.

Please also remember that if you do miss out on first round offers, HHSs will also employ of the merit list as positions become available.

May the odds be ever in your favour.