Nurse Manager

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE
 

Nurse Unit Manager – Short Stay Unit (SSU) & Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA)

Location: Melbourne
Organisation: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Employment Type: Full-time
Classification: Nurse Unit Manager 4 (NM12)

At Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, we are at the forefront of cancer research, treatment, and care.  We are pioneering life-changing discoveries every day. Our commitment to excellence, compassion, and innovation drives everything we do as we strive to improve and save lives through cutting-edge science and patient-centred care.

We are seeking a dynamic Nurse Unit Manager to lead our Short Stay Unit (SSU) and Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Unit. If you are a passionate nursing leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering outstanding patient outcomes, this is your opportunity to make a difference.

At Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, you'll work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility with modern design, where a supportive, inclusive culture empowers every team member to thrive and bring out the very best in themselves and others.

About the Role

As the Nurse Unit Manager for SSU and DOSA, you will:

• Lead and inspire a dedicated nursing team providing exceptional perioperative and post-surgical care.
• Oversee the delivery of evidence-based, safe, and compassionate nursing care in line with organisational and professional standards.
• Drive continuous improvement, professional development, and clinical quality initiatives.
• Manage operational activities, including staffing, budgeting, recruitment, and performance management.
• Foster a positive, innovative, and safe working environment that supports staff and patient wellbeing.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, anaesthetists, allied health professionals, and support services.

What We're Looking For

• Registered Nurse with AHPRA registration.
• Proven leadership and management experience in an acute care setting.
• Strong resource management skills, with the ability to balance operational demands and budgetary considerations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient-centred care.
• Experience in staff development, recruitment, and retention.
• Proficiency with IT systems, including Microsoft Office.
• Postgraduate qualifications or a master's degree in nursing or management are highly desirable.

Why Join Peter Mac?

• Be part of a world-leading cancer centre driving innovation in treatment and care.
• Work in a supportive and progressive environment committed to professional growth.
• Lead impactful initiatives that directly improve patient outcomes and experiences.
• Collaborate with experts across a range of clinical and research disciplines.
• Access excellent benefits and career development opportunities.

Ready to Lead Change?

If you are a compassionate, visionary nursing leader ready to elevate cancer care, apply now and help shape the future of treatment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact:

Operations Director, Erin Brennan or

Applications Close: 11:59pm Monday 13 October 2025

Position Summary

The Short stay Unit provides overnight care for patients post-surgery with the aim to discharge or transfer to the ward the next day. They are open from Monday morning to Saturday afternoon each week. Day of Surgery Admission Unit (DOSA), is responsible for the admission, assessment and preparation of patients prior to their procedure within the Operating Suite. DOSA also operates as a Stage 2 PACU, and is involved in the discharge management of patients who are to be discharged home post their procedure.

The Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) of the Short Stay Unit and Day of Surgery Admission Unit is recognised as a leader of the nursing team who models the core values of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Through effective leadership and management, the Nurse Unit Manager of the SSU and DOSA Units, is responsible for the professional development of all nursing staff and holds accountability for all patient outcomes. This position requires exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritise and adapt to changes within a growing and supportive environment.

Enterprise Agreement

Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) (Single Interest Employers) Enterprise Agreement

Classification or Salary Range

NURSE UNIT MANAGER LEVEL 3 (NM12)

Immunisation Risk Category
Immunisation Category A Key Relationships

Internal:

•Patients and their carers

•Nurse Unit Managers

•Manager Nursing Workforce

•Nursing Education

•After Hours Hospital Coordinators

•Commercial Finance Business Partner

•People and Culture Business Partner

•Infection Prevention

•Surgeons and Anaesthetists

•Allied Health

•Support Departments such as Cancer Imaging, pathology, physical sciences, pharmacy, and medical records.

External:

•VCCC Facilities Management

•Domiciliary Nursing Services

•Health and Community Services Providers

•Public Hospitals

•Private Health Providers

•General Public

Education
Skills
Certifications, Licenses & Registrations
AHPRA Registration Key Accountabilities

• Provide strong leadership to ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centred care aligned with national standards.
• Foster a collaborative, collegial, and multidisciplinary approach across teams and departments.
• Lead planning and continuous improvement to enhance patient experience and outcomes.
• Ensure accountability for quality documentation, adherence to policies, and compliance with standards.
• Support staff through education, professional development, research, and quality assurance activities.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Manage annual budget, ensuring alignment with unit goals and delivery of a balanced outcome.
• Support senior nursing staff to build a positive learning culture and address performance gaps.
• Oversee staff appraisals, regular meetings, and clear communication across the unit.
• Ensure safe work practices, equipment maintenance, and compliance with OH&S requirements.
• Collaborate with education teams to design and deliver service-wide competency programs.

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

• Provide strategic leadership that aligns department practice with organisational values, standards, and care models.
• Foster a respectful, innovative, and supportive culture for patients, families, and staff.
• Ensure staff uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards of nursing practice.
• Promote collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement through committees, forums, and staff meetings.
• Develop, monitor, and deliver on KPIs, quality activities, and accreditation requirements.
• Lead evidence-based practice and support education and research initiatives.
• Collaborate with research groups to advance nursing knowledge and clinical practice.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, safety training, and organisational policies.

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For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

• Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
• Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
• We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

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