Nurse Unit Manager

Nurse Unit Manager - Surgical A Ward | Full Time

Lead a Dynamic Surgical Service Where Innovation, People and Patient Experience Matter

Norwest Private Hospital

At Norwest Private Hospital, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centred care through clinical excellence, innovation and collaboration. As one of the largest private hospitals in NSW, our 277-bed facility provides a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and obstetric services supported by advanced technology and highly skilled multidisciplinary teams. Located within Sydney's rapidly growing Northwest corridor, we continue to invest in our people, services and community.

Norwest Private Hospital is also home to a Centre of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), recognising excellence in surgical expertise, multidisciplinary care, standardised clinical pathways, patient education and patient outcomes.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced nursing leader who is passionate about developing people, building strong partnerships and creating outstanding patient experiences. As Nurse Unit Manager, you will have the opportunity and support to influence culture, grow services, lead innovation and make a lasting impact on both patients and staff.

Surgical A is a thriving surgical ward providing care across a diverse range of specialties, including general surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, colorectal surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, breast surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT surgery and other complex surgical services.

The ward plays a pivotal role in supporting Norwest Private Hospital's Centre of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, reflecting our commitment to excellence in surgical care, multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education and clinical outcomes.

At the heart of Surgical A is a highly skilled, experienced and engaged nursing team committed to delivering exceptional patient-centred care. Supported by a Clinical Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialists and a dedicated Stomal Therapy Clinical Nurse Consultant, the team is known for its collaborative approach, commitment to professional development and focus on continually improving patient outcomes and experiences.

As demand for surgical services continues to grow across Sydney's North West, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the ward, strengthen partnerships and drive excellence in patient-centred care.

Working alongside a highly regarded group of surgeons, specialists and multidisciplinary professionals, you will champion staff engagement, clinical excellence, service growth and exceptional patient experiences while leading a capable and dedicated team.

A key component of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with VMOs. As Nurse Unit Manager, you will be a respected clinical leader who leads by example, role modelling high standards of care, professionalism and accountability. You will foster open communication, support service development opportunities and work collaboratively with VMOs and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes and experiences. Your ability to bring people together around a shared vision for excellence will be critical to the ongoing success and growth of Surgical Services.

You will be a visible and approachable leader who inspires confidence, empowers your team to perform at their best and creates a culture where excellence, innovation and patient-centred care are the standard.

The successful candidate will be a proactive and visible leader who is passionate about developing people, building meaningful stakeholder relationships and creating a culture where continuous improvement, accountability and innovation flourish.

This role offers the opportunity to influence service development, support strategic growth initiatives and develop future nursing leaders while creating an environment where both patients and staff thrive.

Key Responsibilities

As Nurse Unit Manager, you will:

• Lead all aspects of safe, high-quality and patient-centred care
• Foster a positive, engaged and high-performing team culture
• Coach, mentor and develop staff, supporting succession planning and leadership capability
• Drive workforce engagement, retention and professional development
• Enhance patient and family experiences through individualised care and service innovation
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with VMOs, fostering a collaborative environment focused on outstanding patient outcomes and service excellence
• Partner with surgeons to support service growth, identify innovation opportunities and enhance the patient journey
• Facilitate effective communication and engagement between VMOs, nursing teams and key stakeholders
• Actively contribute to business planning, strategic initiatives and service development opportunities
• Lead quality improvement, accreditation and clinical governance activities
• Monitor and improve clinical outcomes and performance indicators
• Ensure effective workforce, operational and financial management
• Maintain compliance with NSQHS Standards and Workplace Health and Safety requirements

About You

You are an authentic and influential leader who brings energy, passion and vision to your work.

Essential Criteria

• Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse
• Minimum 5 years post-registration experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience within an acute surgical environment
• Proven ability to engage, lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams
• Experience building strong relationships with VMOs and senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated success leading quality improvement and change initiatives
• Strong business, operational and financial management skills
• Excellent communication, coaching and influencing abilities
• Commitment to exceptional patient-centred care
• Sound knowledge of NSQHS Standards
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Intermediate computer skills

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant clinical specialty
• Formal Leadership and/or Management qualification
• Experience within a private hospital setting
• Experience supporting service growth, innovation and strategic projects

Why This Opportunity Is Unique

✅ Lead a diverse and growing surgical service

✅ Support a recognised Centre of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

✅ Partner with highly regarded surgeons and VMOs across multiple specialties

✅ Lead a highly skilled and engaged nursing team supported by a CNE, CNSs and dedicated Stomal Therapy CNC

✅ Influence the future direction and growth of Surgical Services

✅ Develop high-performing teams and future nursing leaders

✅ Drive innovation, patient experience and clinical excellence

✅ Make a meaningful impact on staff engagement, service development and patient outcomes

What You'll Get in Return

• Continuous professional development, education and leadership support
• Career progression opportunities within Healthscope
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Discounted health insurance for eligible employees
• Salary packaging and novated leasing options
• Employee Assistance Program
• Reduced staff parking rates
• Convenient location close to public transport and shopping precincts

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a motivated and forward-thinking nursing leader who is passionate about developing people, building strong partnerships, enhancing patient experiences and driving innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and lead the next chapter of Surgical A at Norwest Private Hospital.

Why Healthscope?

When you join Healthscope, you become part of our Community of Care. Our people are at the heart of our organisation - no matter the role, every day our people make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families. As the only national private hospital operator and healthcare provider in Australia, our sites are supported by our central Support Office, enabling them to provide an exceptional experience for the communities we care for.

You’ll also benefit from:

·         Flexibility to work across one or multiple hospitals across our network.

·         Discounted health insurance (non-casuals only)

·         Continuous professional development, education & support provided to encourage growth

We pride ourselves on working with talented, passionate and caring people to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care and experience during their stay with us. We support each other, share learnings, celebrate successes and face challenges together.

Come and be the difference in our patient's lives.

Applications close:  31 August 2026

To Apply: Please click on the 'Apply' button to be taken to our online application form. For any questions, please reach out to recruitment@healthscope.com.au

More Information: Our commitment to quality and safety for our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority. We are also committed to child safety. We are committed to the safety, participation and empowerment of all children. Applicants will be required to provide a current National Police check, WWCC (where applicable) and Evidence of right to work in Australia prior to appointment. Staff in patient contact roles will be required to provide proof of immunity to specified infectious diseases as a Category A Healthcare worker. 

Healthscope has been made aware of recruitment scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent Healthscope. Please note that Healthscope will never request payment from candidates.
Any request for payment is fraudulent.
Visit Scam Watch for more information on recruitment scams.