Nurse Unit Manager - Mental Health

Job Description

Lead a dedicated mental health nursing team and help shape high-quality, recovery-focused care!

We are seeking an experienced, confident nursing leader with extensive mental health clinical expertise and strong leadership and management capabilities to lead our 30-bed acute voluntary general mental health and eating disorders unit. You will bring a demonstrated ability to lead teams, build effective professional relationships and navigate the complexities of a high-demand clinical environment while maintaining a clear focus on positive patient outcomes. Strong customer service skills, a proactive, solutions-focused approach and a strong work ethic are essential to this leadership role. 

About the role

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Clinical Services/Director of Clinical Services, you will hold a key nursing leadership and management role, accountable for the efficient and effective management of the unit’s human, financial and material resources. You will plan, implement and evaluate clinical practices, processes and services, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team and hospital leadership to achieve departmental and organisational objectives. Your leadership will support evidence-based, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed mental health care, consistent with Ramsay policies, best practice and legislative requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead clinical excellence and patient-centred care, applying research evidence to improve practice and patient outcomes.
• Coordinate workforce planning, rostering and resource allocation to meet patient needs and operational requirements.
• Lead and develop the nursing team through supervision, coaching, education and performance review processes, addressing workforce matters in accordance with organisational policies and industrial requirements.
• Manage budgets, equipment and consumables, monitoring costs, occupancy, case mix and length of stay to support safe, efficient and sustainable service delivery.
• Lead and support clinical incident investigation and review, timely reporting, root cause analysis and corrective actions to strengthen patient safety.
• Respond to patient and family feedback and manage complaints promptly and sensitively in accordance with Ramsay policy.
• Develop, implement and evaluate continuous improvement initiatives, support best-practice policies and procedures, and contribute to service development and change management.
• Build constructive relationships with patients, carers, visiting medical officers and multidisciplinary colleagues, while promoting workplace safety and risk minimisation.

About you

You are a collaborative and approachable leader who models professionalism, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement. You build supportive working relationships and demonstrate the Ramsay Way philosophy of ‘People Caring for People’.

Essential criteria

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
• Extensive clinical skills and experience in mental health nursing.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Demonstrated management and decision-making skills.
• Ability to plan and manage financial, human and material resources effectively.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement and evaluate a continuous improvement program.
• Ability to apply research findings to clinical practice.

Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate studies in mental health or an appropriate specialty area.
• Previous experience in a management position.
• A tertiary management qualification, or progress towards one.
• Sound computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.

Remuneration

On offer is a base hourly rate of $70.89 + superannuation, exclusive of penalties or allowances. (NSW Nursing/Midwifery Unit Manager Level 1)

What’s in it for You: 

At Ramsay, we care for our people by offering benefits that truly support your career, wellbeing and lifestyle, including: 

• Grow your career with recognition programs, employee referral bonuses, scholarships, free access to LinkedIn Learning and the Ramsay Leadership Academy 
• Save more every day with Ramsay Rewards, giving you exclusive deals at 100+ retailers, restaurants, travel providers and more 
• Enjoy peace of mind with lower hospital cover costs and higher extras limits on services like General and Major Dental, plus pharmacy and allied health discounts 
• Find balance through flexible rostering options, flexible leave and access to free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support 24/7 
• Increase your take-home pay through novated leasing, plus discounts on leisure travel, gyms and lifestyle services. 

Why Join Ramsay: 

At Ramsay Health Care, “people caring for people” is at the heart of everything we do. We are: 

• Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with over 74 sites and 35,000 staff 
• A values-led workplace where you’ll be supported personally and professionally 
• A place with flexible, permanent and career-growth opportunities nationwide. 

Qualifications

Additional Information

• Must provide or complete a National Police Check conducted within the previous 12 months. 

• According to the role, Ramsay may require a Working-With-Children Check and proof of immunisation against infectious diseases.

Apply:  

Ready to feel cared for while you care for others? Apply today! All applications must be lodged online. 

Applications close: 11th December 2026

Reference number: JR117545

Please Note:

Ramsay Health Care is committed to Child Safety. Details of our commitment are set out in our Code of Conduct, available at www.ramsayhealth.com.au.

Applications made by recruitment agencies will not be considered.

Compensation: N/A to 70.89 (AUD) (HOURLY)