After Hourse Nurse Manager

Hunter New England Health; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 149,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to $11,600

12% employer superannuation

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Welcome Experience

Job summary

Hunter New England Health is seeking an experienced After Hours Nurse Manager Level 2 at Cessnock District Hospital to lead operational management after hours when the Health Service Manager is unavailable. You will oversee patient flow, bed management and staffing across the facility with a focus on safe, high-quality care.

You will coordinate clinical teams, manage escalation, and guide staff through complex decisions while aligning with NSW Health policies and a patient-centred culture.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Management qualification or equivalent experience, or combination with commitment to development.
• Knowledge and experience in management and delivery of healthcare services.
• Proven leadership to guide multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of patient flow, bed management and operational coordination.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to make sound clinical and operational decisions in a fast-paced setting.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build positive relationships.
• Proactive, resilient and flexible with a patient-centred focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support across the facility after hours.
• Oversee patient flow and bed management for safe, efficient service.
• Coordinate staffing resources and respond to operational issues.
• Support clinical teams in delivering high-quality care.
• Manage escalation processes and facilitate timely decisions.
• Collaborate with medical, nursing, allied health and support staff.
• Respond to incidents and support effective resolution.
• Promote patient safety, quality care and NSW Health compliance.
• Provide guidance and leadership to staff across the facility.

Skills

Nurse leadership

After-hours management

Staff coordination

Patient safety

Communication

Clinical governance

Education

RN registration - AHPRA

Management qualification

Job description

Lead with confidence and make a real impact across a busy rural hospital after hours.

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Classification: Nurse Manager Grade 2

Remuneration: $149,408.12 - $152,392.73 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging

Hours Per Week: 38

Requisition ID: REQ694022

Location: Cessnock

Closing Date: Monday 5th October 2026

About the Opportunity

Cessnock is located just one hour west of Newcastle and the beautiful Hunter coastline. Renowned for its world-class vineyards, vibrant local community and close connection to the region's mining and energy industries, Cessnock offers an enviable lifestyle combining country charm with modern conveniences.

Cessnock District Hospital is a Level 3 rural facility providing a broad range of healthcare services to the local community. The Emergency Department manages approximately 22,000 presentations annually and is supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, including GP Visiting Medical Officers, nursing staff, allied health professionals, radiographers and support services. Our inpatient units provide general medical and surgical care appropriate to a Level 3 rural hospital, with a strong focus on delivering safe, high-quality and patient-centred care.

You’ll be joining a collaborative and supportive workplace culture built on teamwork, mutual respect and shared learning. Comprehensive site and role-specific orientation will be provided, along with opportunities to undertake relevant leadership and management education.

What You Will Be Doing

As the After Hours Nurse Manager Level 2, you will play a critical leadership role in overseeing the operational management of the hospital after hours and during periods when the Health Service Manager is unavailable.

In this role, you will:

• Provide leadership, coordination and support across the facility after hours.
• Oversee patient flow and bed management to ensure safe and efficient service delivery.
• Coordinate staffing resources and respond to operational issues as they arise.
• Support clinical teams in delivering high-quality patient care.
• Manage escalation processes and facilitate timely decision-making.
• Collaborate with medical, nursing, allied health and support services staff.
• Respond to clinical and operational incidents and support effective resolution.
• Promote patient safety, quality care and compliance with NSW Health policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance, support and leadership to staff across the facility.

This role requires strong clinical leadership, sound judgement and the ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

About You

We are seeking an experienced and confident nursing leader who can effectively manage hospital operations after hours while supporting staff and ensuring high-quality patient care.

You will bring:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Relevant management qualification or equivalent work experience, or a combination of study and experience with a demonstrated commitment to professional development.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the management and delivery of healthcare services.
• Proven leadership experience and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of patient flow, bed management and operational coordination.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to make sound clinical and operational decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build positive relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• A proactive attitude, resilience and flexibility.
• Commitment to patient-centred care, safety and continuous improvement.

Most importantly, you will be a visible and approachable leader who supports staff, fosters teamwork and contributes positively to the culture of the hospital.

Lead and manage the clinical services team to provide excellent patient/client care within the service/unit/facility to maximise the health outcomes for the community.

What we can offer you:

• Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• 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
• The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Additional Information

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.

An eligibility list will be created for future temporary full or part time vacancies

Casual opportunities may be available for recommended applicants

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: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

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

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

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take-home pay! Salary packaging a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via [e-mail] or 1300 40 25 23.

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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