Director of Nursing

Shape the future of paediatric healthcare within our district as our new Director of Nursing – Children, Young People & Families.

Remuneration: $162, $165,552.17 Per Annum + 12% Super + Salary Packaging

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Position Classification: Nurse Manager Gde 6

Location: John Hunter Children's Hospital | Awabakal Country

Requisition ID: REQ602352

Applications Close: Sunday, 19th October 2025

About the role:

At HNEKids we deliver paediatric health services across our hospitals and communities, ranging from neonatal all the way through to adolescence and services for young people. The Director of Nursing - Children, Young People and Families (DON CYPF) is pivotal in leading the strategic direction of nursing at HNEKids from the top down.

Based at John Hunter Children's Hospital, this is a whole of hospital leadership role. No two days will look the same. You will be working with the nurse unit managers to overcome discharge barriers, leading educational programs, developing new graduate nurses, or rounding with clinical staff. You will be supporting our service managers and Clinical Nurse Consultants and driving a culture of family centred care. You'll also spend time in the community, strengthening services alongside child and family health nurses, so flexibility and a willingness to travel are important.

You won't be working alone. You'll be supported by the General Manager of CYPF, alongside other executives within HNEkids and you'll be welcomed into a collaborative culture that values innovation, professional growth, and continuous learning. Orientation and ongoing development opportunities are part of the package—we'll set you up to succeed. Orientation will be provided, alongside a multitude of ongoing educational and mentoring opportunities.

If you're ready to make a lasting impact on the future of paediatric health, while being part of a tight-knit and supportive leadership team, we'd love to hear from you.

As our new DON CYPF, you will:

• Be our LHD's strongest advocate for children's healthcare and the vital role of a dedicated children's hospital in the Hunter region.
• Have a curious mindset
• Be able to build and sustain trust within teams at every level
• Quiet authority—the confidence to question, listen, and guide towards solutions
• A passion for quality, safety, and continuous improvement in children's care

You will thrive in this role if:

• You are someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and steady under pressure
• You are a collaborator who balances confidence with humility
• You can navigate complexity with clarity while keeping compassion at the centre
• Above all, you are committed to children and their families within the region; motivated by service rather than status

Where you'll be working:

The city of Newcastle offers the perfect blend of coastal beauty and vibrant urban life. With stunning beaches just a stone's throw away, you can enjoy the surf and breathtaking coastal walks. Newcastle has a laid-back feel that makes it easy to feel at home, while still offering all the amenities of a big city. Whether you're exploring the stunning coastline or enjoying a coffee in one of the trendy cafes, Newcastle offers a unique and welcoming lifestyle.

Benefits:

At Hunter New England Health enjoy a career where you're challenged by interesting work and surrounded by spectacular locations. Join the team enriching health in millions of ways every day:

Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero

Proximity to shopping and other services

Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)

4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)

6 weeks annual leave (for eligible full time nurses)

Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife balance

Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing

Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members

Opportunity to work and collaborate with a range of non-clinical and clinical professionals

Requirements:

Our successful candidate will possess the following:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with Authority to Practice with AHPRA.
• Appropriate Tertiary qualifications and significant management experience.

Additional information:

• An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full time and part time and temporary full time or part time vacancies.
• Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
• To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa.
• We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position.

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

For role related queries or questions contact Matt Frith |

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit:

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit:

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS via or

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.

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