Nurse Unit Manager - Day Stay of Surgery - Targeted
Take the reins of clinical leadership in a critical hospital service, making a real difference for patients, families, and your team.
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 2
Remuneration: $137,104.41 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ629069
Location: John Hunter Hospital | Awabakal Country
Closing: Monday, 26th January 2026
Whilst this position is open to all individuals, it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants must demonstrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status in addition to addressing the selection criterion.
Where you’ll be working
You will lead a clinical services team within John Hunter Hospital, a Level 6 tertiary referral hospital delivering complex, specialist care to patients across the Hunter New England region. This role has responsibility across Emergency Department services and the Day Stay Surgery Unit, supporting high-volume, high-acuity patient care within a fast-paced tertiary environment.
John Hunter Hospital plays a critical role in improving health outcomes for the communities it serves. The workplace culture is professional, collaborative and values-driven, with strong multidisciplinary partnerships across surgical, perioperative, emergency and support services. There is a strong focus on safety, accountability, continuous improvement and cultural respect, with staff supported to work to their full scope of practice in line with the Excellence Framework (Every Patient, Every Time).
About the role
As Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), you will lead clinical, operational and people management across Emergency Department and Day Stay Surgery Unit, ensuring safe, high-quality, patient-centred care. You will oversee day-to-day operations, coordinate patient flow, manage resources and support staff development, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
You will work closely with senior nursing leaders, medical staff, perioperative teams, and multidisciplinary colleagues to drive service excellence, support continuous improvement, and strengthen integration between emergency and day surgery pathways. You will lead recruitment, induction, professional development and performance processes, while actively promoting clinical governance, safety, and culturally respectful care.
About You
You are an experienced nursing leader with strong clinical credibility and a proven ability to manage complex services within a tertiary hospital environment. You are organised, adaptable and confident leading teams through change while maintaining a clear focus on patient safety and staff wellbeing. You bring:
- Demonstrated ability to lead nursing practice, clinical governance and policy implementation within a multidisciplinary setting
- Proven capability in workforce leadership, including recruitment, performance management and professional development
- Experience managing nursing resources and service delivery within agreed budgets
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across emergency, surgical and support services
- A demonstrated commitment to service excellence, safety, continuous improvement and culturally respectful care
You are a visible, approachable leader who models professional behaviour and supports teams to deliver excellent care for every patient, every time.
Essential requirements:
- Current Authority to Practice as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA
The Perks
At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:
✅Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
✅Proximity to shopping and other services
✅Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
✅4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
✅Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance
✅Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
✅Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
✅Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
Need more information?
1) Click here for the Position Description
2) Find out more about applying for this position
For role related queries or questions contact Taylor Swan on Taylor.Swan@health.nsw.gov.au
Information for Applicants:
Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2
Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp
This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact HNELHD-Diversity@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier-free application process.
An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.
To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.
Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.
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