Nurse Unit Manager - Medical and Surgical Ward

Job Description

St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital is seeking an experienced and motivated Nurse Unit Manager to lead our 32-bed mixed medical and surgical ward, caring predominantly for surgical patients. In this key leadership role, you will oversee the day-to-day clinical and operational management of the unit, supported by a team of Clinical Nurses, Registered Nurses and Endorsed Enrolled Nurses.

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, you will work closely with the multidisciplinary team, Visiting Medical Officers and Hospital Executive to deliver safe, high-quality patient care while achieving departmental and organisational objectives.

You will be accountable for the effective management of clinical services, workforce, financial and material resources, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

About You

You are an experienced nursing leader with strong clinical expertise in medical and surgical nursing and a demonstrated ability to lead teams in a dynamic hospital environment. You are confident in making clinical and operational decisions, managing resources and supporting staff to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Essential:

• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
• Extensive clinical experience in medical and surgical nursing.
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, preferably in a Nurse Unit Manager or similar role.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and decision-making skills.
• The ability to manage workforce, financial and material resources effectively.
• Experience in quality improvement, clinical governance and evidence-based practice.
• Confidence working both independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day clinical and operational management of the 32-bed medical and surgical ward.
• Promote excellence in clinical care and customer service, ensuring practice aligns with best practice, legislation and hospital policies.
• Lead, develop and support nursing staff through supervision, coaching, performance reviews and professional development.
• Manage workforce planning, staffing requirements and resources to support safe and effective patient care.
• Monitor departmental budgets, pharmacy costs, consumables and linen utilisation to promote efficient resource management.
• Review medical equipment requirements and prepare capital expenditure requests where necessary.
• Monitor patient casemix and length of stay to support effective care coordination, patient outcomes and operational performance.
• Manage patient complaints sensitively and promptly in accordance with Ramsay Health Care policies.
• Lead the reporting, investigation and review of clinical incidents, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop, implement and evaluate policies, procedures and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply current research and evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes and support efficient, cost-effective care.
• Collaborate with the Director of Clinical Services, Hospital Executive, Visiting Medical Officers and other department managers to achieve strategic objectives.
• Lead and participate in projects, service improvements and change management initiatives as required.

What You Will Also Bring

• Postgraduate studies in an appropriate specialty area will be highly regarded.
• A tertiary management qualification, or a willingness to work towards one, is desirable.
• Strong financial, operational and workforce management capabilities.
• Sound computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Excel.
• A commitment to clinical governance, patient safety and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build a positive team culture and manage performance in accordance with organisational policies and industrial requirements.
• Professional resilience, adaptability and a collaborative leadership style.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and achieving the best possible outcomes for patients and the Hospital.

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 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: 25th November 2026

Reference number: JR117279 

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.