Nurse Unit Manager

Location: New Footscray Hospital Employment Type: Full-Time Salary: NM11 - Nurse Unit Manager About the role Western Health is seeking a dynamic and visionary Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) to lead the newly established Short Stay Unit within the Emergency Department at the New Footscray Hospital. This is a unique opportunity to shape and operationalise a new service from the ground up, contributing directly to Western Health’s mission of delivering Best Care that is safe, person‑centred, coordinated, and right. As NUM, you will provide visible and accessible leadership, drive clinical excellence, and foster a culture of innovation, inclusiveness, and continuous improvement. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on patient outcomes and team development in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment. Key responsibilities: Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing management of the Short Stay Unit, including shaping the Model of Care. Provide operational, professional, and clinical leadership to nursing staff, ensuring high standards of care and performance. Manage workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and performance development across the unit. Drive quality improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with safety, accreditation, and governance standards. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance service delivery and patient experience. About you: Registered Nurse with current AHPRA registration and relevant postgraduate qualifications and/or clinical experience. Proven leadership and management capabilities, including budget oversight and workforce planning. Strong clinical expertise with a commitment to evidence‑based, person‑centred care. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and lead high‑performing teams. Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, manage change, and foster a culture of learning and accountability. Position Description About Western Health Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs. With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person‑centred care across every life stage. We provide a combination of hospital, community‑based, at‑home and in‑reach servicesto aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology. We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges. Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospitaland Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall. Why join us? Compensation and benefits Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards. Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements. Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey. Learning and development opportunities Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways. Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education. Mentorship and career support. Community impact and inclusion Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care. Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion. Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research. Organisational culture and environment Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment. Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare. Ready to make an impact? If you’re passionate about delivering high-quality, person-centred care, leading with integrity, and driving innovation in a dynamic clinical envrionment we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts. If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying. Closing date: 11:59pm on 2 December 2025. Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Taylor Voss-Smith via email Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable). Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies. #J-18808-Ljbffr