Nurse Unit Manager - Emergency & Critical Care (ECC)

Small Animal Specialist Hospital; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible rostering

Continuing Education Allowance

Career progression

Staff discounts on services

EAP access

Parental leave

Job summary

Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) in Adelaide is seeking a Nurse Unit Manager to lead our Emergency & Critical Care nursing team. You will drive clinical excellence, staff development and operational efficiency in a fast-paced referral hospital setting.

You’ll partner with the ECC Leadership team, mentor nurses, and oversee daily operations, recruitment and onboarding, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety across all shifts.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' experience in Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nursing.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a veterinary setting.

Responsibilities

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the ECC nursing team.
• Managing team resources and supporting efficient workflow across the department.
• Coaching, developing and performance managing team members.
• Collaborating with veterinarians and hospital departments to ensure exceptional patient care.
• Recruitment, workforce planning and onboarding activities.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Time management

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Job description

Nurse Unit Manager - Emergency & Critical Care (ECC)

If you are looking to take the next exciting step in your veterinary nursing leadership career, our Emergency & Critical Care team offers an exceptional opportunity to lead a highly skilled nursing team within a specialist and referral hospital environment. Our Emergency & Critical Care department provides around-the-clock care for critically ill and injured patients, working closely with veterinarians, specialists and support teams to deliver outstanding patient outcomes. As Nurse Unit Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading, supporting and developing the ECC nursing team while ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care and operational excellence. At SASH we are committed to clinical development within our nursing teams and strive to keep our nurses nursing! This is an exciting role where our new NUM will have the support from an operational team member who can help with some of the administrative component of the role. Freeing up your time to be leading on the floor where the team needs you most. Our Adelaide hospital is currently seeking a Nurse Unit Manager to lead our Emergency & Critical Care Team.

Who are we looking for?

• An experienced ECC veterinary nurse with a passion for leadership and team development
• A collaborative leader who enjoys coaching, mentoring and supporting team members to achieve their full potential
• Someone who thrives in a fast-paced referral hospital environment
• A highly organised individual with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• A confident communicator who can build strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams
• A leader committed to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering clinical excellence

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the ECC nursing team
• Managing team resources and supporting efficient workflow across the department
• Partnership with ECC Veterinary Leadership team in all aspects of the role
• Coaching, developing and performance managing team members
• Working with the Nurse manager and leadership team to determine what support is required to help assist our nursing team. Including operational and educational support to take on the admin heavy component of the job
• Collaborating with veterinarians, specialists and hospital departments to ensure exceptional patient care
• Driving continuous improvement in clinical standards, team engagement and operational performance
• Supporting recruitment, workforce planning and onboarding activities
• Maintaining a strong focus on workplace health and safety, patient care and infection control standards

What You'll Need

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent qualification)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nursing
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience within a veterinary setting
• Strong communication, coaching and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated experience managing competing priorities in a busy clinical environment
• Exceptional organisational and time management abilities
• A commitment to delivering outstanding patient care and client service

What's in it for YOU?

• Competitive salary package reflective of your experience and leadership responsibilities
• The opportunity to lead and shape a growing ECC team
• Flexible rostering considerations
• Continuing Education Allowance, renewed annually, and access to internal learning programs
• Career progression opportunities within one of Australia's leading veterinary specialist and emergency hospital groups
• SASH-paid parental leave for all new parents, regardless of gender
• Access to a 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Staff discounts on veterinary services, products and events
• Work alongside an experienced multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing exceptional veterinary care

About SASH

At SASH, we believe the highest standards in veterinary care are achieved when clinical expertise is combined with compassion, teamwork and continuous learning. Our purpose is to provide the best possible care for every patient and an exceptional experience for every client. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact as a nursing leader and help drive excellence within our Emergency & Critical Care service, we'd love to hear from you.