Job Overview & Organization Mission

Lead ward operations, clinical quality governance, and nursing workforce leadership for a 32-bed acute geriatric medical ward.

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is seeking an experienced Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) to lead our 32-bed Acute Geriatric Evaluation and Management ward at St George’s Health Service in Kew. In this key executive ward leadership role, you will champion clinical excellence, optimize nursing rosters, manage operational budgets, and build an inspired, resilient nursing team.

As a key member of the team at St Vincent’s Health Australia in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Provide operational: Provide operational leadership and clinical governance for a 32-bed inpatient acute medical ward.
• Manage ward: Manage ward operating budgets, staffing ratios, and computerized nurse rostering (RosterOn).
• Monitor clinical: Monitor clinical quality indicators: medication errors, pressure injury rates, falls with harm, and hand hygiene.
• Recruit, mentor,: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate clinical nurse specialists, registered nurses, and graduate trainees.
• Lead patient: Lead patient advocacy, complaints resolution, and compassionate family dispute management.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at St Vincent’s Health Australia, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing & Current AHPRA Registration & Postgraduate Management Qualification.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Current unconditional registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.
• Minimum 3 years nursing leadership experience (as NUM, Associate NUM, or Clinical Nurse Educator).
• Postgraduate qualifications in Health Management, Clinical Nursing, or Leadership.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing complex unionized clinical rosters.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At St Vincent’s Health Australia, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$128,000 – AU$145,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Leadership remuneration $128,000 – $145,000 + 11.5% super + maximum salary packaging up to $15,900 tax-free.
• Supportive Executive Director of Nursing mentorship and executive leadership coaching.
• Picturesque Kew garden campus with ample staff parking and wellness facilities.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: St Vincent’s Health Australia

St Vincent’s Health Australia is dedicated to exceptional hospital care, acute geriatric evaluation, and clinical nursing leadership.

St Vincent’s Health Australia is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official St Vincent’s Health Australia careers gateway.