Nurse Unit Manager

This is a unique and meaningful leadership opportunity that combines operational nursing leadership with advocacy for veterans and first responders. Here's a professional job advertisement draft: 

Nurse Unit Manager (NUM)

Veterans & First Responders Ward

Lead with Purpose. Support Those Who Served.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) to lead our dedicated Veterans & First Responders Ward. This innovative service provides specialised care for veterans, current and former emergency service personnel, and first responders with complex physical, psychological, and psychosocial health needs. 

This is a unique leadership role that combines operational management, clinical excellence, advocacy, and case coordination to ensure exceptional patient outcomes and staff support. 

About the Role

As the Nurse Unit Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership and operational management of the ward while fostering a culture of person-centred, trauma-informed care. 

A key component of the role is serving as the Veterans Liaison Officer, acting as a central point of contact for veterans, first responders, their families, community organisations, and external support agencies. 

The NUM will also support the management of complex patient journeys, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care, facilitate discharge planning, and address barriers to recovery and community reintegration. 

Recognising the importance of maintaining a strong clinical presence, this position includes a balanced model of leadership: 

• Three days per week with a clinical patient load

• Two days per week in a supernumerary leadership capacity

This structure enables the NUM to remain connected to frontline care while dedicating protected time to leadership, quality improvement, staff development, and service innovation. 

Key Responsibilities

•   Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Veterans & First Responders Ward.

•  Act as the designated Veterans Liaison Officer.

•  Provide clinical leadership and mentorship to nursing and multidisciplinary staff.

• Support the coordination and management of complex patient cases.

• Promote recovery-oriented and trauma-informed models of care.

• Foster partnerships with veteran organisations, emergency service agencies, community support services, and healthcare providers.

• Drive quality improvement, risk management, and patient safety initiatives.

• Support workforce development, recruitment, retention, and staff wellbeing.

• Facilitate patient advocacy and family engagement throughout the care journey.

• Contribute to strategic service planning and program development.

About You

You are a dynamic nursing leader who is passionate about supporting veterans, first responders, and those living with complex health needs. 

You will bring: 

• Current registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a Nurse Unit Manager, Associate NUM, Clinical Nurse Consultant, or equivalent role.

• Experience managing complex clinical presentations and coordinating multidisciplinary care.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, mental health, rehabilitation, or veteran health services.

• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.

• Commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development, and evidence-based practice.

• Experience working with veteran, defence, emergency services, mental health, or rehabilitation populations is highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead a highly specialised and innovative care service.

• Meaningful work supporting veterans and first responders.

• Dedicated supernumerary leadership time built into the role. 

• Strong multidisciplinary and executive support.

• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

• Ability to shape and grow a service that makes a lasting impact on patients, families, and communities.

 If you are a passionate nursing leader committed to providing exceptional care for those who have served our communities and nation, we encourage you to apply.

Please apply via Seek and direct all enquiries to Emily King, Acting Director of Clinical Services ••••@aurorahealth.com.au