Chief Nurse Officer

The role

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is Queensland's most senior nursing officer and is responsible for providing expert and authoritative advice to Government and across Queensland Health, on issues relating to aspects of nursing, nursing practice, nursing workforce and the development and implementation of contemporary models of care.

Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Health Workforce Division (HWD), the CNO is key member of the HWD leadership team, providing executive leadership across initiatives led by the division including cross-professional and multi-organisational projects. The CNO represents Queensland Health across the health sector, including at the national level. The role is the central reference point for the nursing profession across the state and provides advice on creating and maintaining an appropriately resourced, qualified and competent nursing workforce and models of nursing care to meet the health service delivery needs of Queensland.

The Successful Person

The ideal candidate will be a distinguished and strategic nursing leader, registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and listed on the Ahpra register. They will possess extensive experience in nursing leadership, policy development, and workforce reform.

The candidate will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of contemporary nursing models of care and the complexities of health service delivery. They will be adept at navigating dynamic and multifaceted environments, and will have a proven capacity to provide high-level, evidence informed advice to government, senior executives, and key stakeholders. Their leadership will be characterised by the ability to inspire teams, foster strategic partnerships, and drive innovation across the health system.

About Health Workforce Division

The HWD supports all Queensland Health staff reach their full potential. Through our branches and deep relationships across the sector and beyond, we support the growth, retention, and sustainability of a skilled, diverse, and responsive workforce to meet Queensland's evolving healthcare needs.

Our branches work collaboratively to enable Hospital and Health Services provide optimum levels of care, with a strong focus on rural, remote, and priority communities. HWD also leads professional, regulatory and capability functions, to support Queensland Health service its community to the highest standards. By shaping practice, capability and supporting inclusive practices, we enable Queensland Health to meet the healthcare needs of our communities—now and into the future.

Benefits of working with the Department of Health:

By joining the Department of Health, you will work within a fast-paced, challenging and supportive environment where every employee plays a critical role in our ongoing success.  You will enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary + generous superannuation and leave loading
• Flexible working arrangements
• Diverse work culture
• Career training and development

To reflect the diversity within the communities and people we support and serve, we seek to hire a workforce that is both representative and diverse. With a focus on inclusion, accessibility and flexibility, we are committed to supporting you in your career with us.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete the questionnaire and submit your resume and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your skills and experience relevant for this role.

The interview process will include a scenario-based assessment to assess strategic thinking and leadership capability. Interviews may be held over two days to accommodate and ensure a thorough assessment process.