Nurse Unit Manager

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Nurse Unit Manager
Create the future of community palliative care, one solution at a time.

Calling all nurses with a passion for systems, service and quality improvement
Do you thrive on untangling processes, improving care pathways, and building services that truly work—for patients and staff? At Karuna Hospice Services, we're offering an exciting leadership opportunity for a dynamic Nurse Unit Manager to lead change, improve flow, and help shape a better end-of-life experience in the community.

Karuna is a respected, values-driven community organisation guided by Buddhist principles and committed to alleviating suffering. We provide specialist palliative care and holistic support that honours dignity, compassion, and choice, in alignment with our values of Kindness, Humility, Respect, and Courage. Join a leadership team that values innovation, collaboration, and deeply human care.

We're seeking an experienced Nurse Unit Manager with a passion for service redesign and continuous improvement. In this unique senior role, you'll:

Lead service improvement initiatives to enhance responsiveness, flow, and quality.

Apply data and design thinking to co-create sustainable solutions.

Foster a supportive, high-performing team culture grounded in trust and professional growth.

Provide strategic leadership while maintaining hands-on clinical impact.

Identify inefficiencies and redesign systems to enhance patient and staff experience.

Coordinate intake, triage and care delivery across multidisciplinary teams.

Drive continuous quality improvement using data and patient feedback.

Mentor staff and build capability in clinical excellence and innovation.

Contribute to workforce planning, education and service growth initiatives.

Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse.

Minimum 5 years' advanced clinical experience (ideally in palliative, oncology or community care).

Proven leadership in service delivery, redesign, or quality improvement.

Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Understanding of community-based care frameworks and compliance standards.

QLD Driver's Licence and willingness to participate in 24/7 care roster.

Highly regarded: Postgraduate qualifications in palliative care, leadership or service design.

This is a rare opportunity to blend your clinical expertise and systems thinking in a supportive, purpose-led environment. If you want to be part of something meaningful, and you're energised by the challenge of improving how care is delivered—this is your moment.

A compassionate, reflective and values-aligned team culture

Opportunities to lead and innovate in a growing organisation

Not-for-profit salary packaging to boost take-home pay

Employee Assistance Program for you and your family

Flexibility and autonomy in a deeply rewarding role

A police check will be required for this role—we'll arrange and cover the cost.

Apply Now
If you're ready to lead with heart, innovate with purpose, and make a lasting impact in community palliative care, we'd love to hear from you.

Send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and passion for service improvement today

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:How many years' experience do you have as a nurse unit manager? Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment? Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? Do you have experience preparing work rosters? Do you have a current nursing registration from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)? Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?

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