Registered Nurse

Hunter New England Local Health District; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing learning

Annual leave 4 weeks

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging up to $11,600

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Welcome Experience

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking a registered nurse to join Ward 3A at Maitland Hospital, a dynamic surgical unit covering general surgery, urology, gynaecology and colorectal. The role focuses on patient-centred care, teamwork and learning in a fast-paced acute setting.

You'll perform pre/post-operative nursing, venepuncture and IV cannulation, wound and drain care, and support discharge planning under supervision of CNS and NUM. NSW Health policies apply.

Qualifications

• Current RN registration with AHPRA.
• Commitment to patient-centred, high-quality surgical care.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced acute setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, evidence-based nursing care to surgical patients.
• Perform pre- and post-operative nursing care.
• Venepuncture and IV cannulation.
• Wound, drain and indwelling device management.
• Nasogastric tube care and management.
• Administer medications and TPN per NSW Health policies.
• Support daily living activities and recovery.
• Accurate clinical documentation and discharge planning.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Compassion

Patient-centred care

Education

Registered Nurse with AHPRA

Tools

Venepuncture

IV cannulation

Wound care

Job description

Build your surgical nursing career in a supportive team where learning, teamwork and patient-centred care come first.

Employment Type: Permanent or Temporary Full-time and Part-time

Position Classification: Registered Nurse

Remuneration: $41.22 - $57.88 per hour + 12% Superannuation + Salary packaging

Hours Per Week: Up to 38

Requisition ID: REQ697282

Location: Maitland Hospital

Closing Date: Tuesday 6th October 2026

About The Opportunity

At the new Maitland Hospital, you'll join Ward 3A, a dynamic surgical unit providing exceptional care across a diverse range of specialties including general surgery, urology, gynaecology, women's health and colorectal.

Ward 3A is known for its strong focus on patient-centred care and teamwork. You'll work closely with a dedicated multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care throughout the patient journey.

Our team is made up of highly skilled and approachable surgical nurses who genuinely support one another. We value openness, staff wellbeing, professional development and a healthy work/home balance. You'll be supported by the Nurse Unit Manager, Clinical Nurse Educators and Clinical Nurse Specialists, providing you with the guidance, education and encouragement to learn, develop and thrive in a fast-paced acute care environment.

What You Will Be Doing

Reporting directly to the Nurse Unit Manager and supported by senior nursing colleagues, the CNS team and dedicated ward and after-hours educators, you will provide safe, evidence-based and person-centred nursing care to our surgical patients.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Providing comprehensive pre- and post-operative nursing care.
• Undertaking clinical assessments and responding appropriately to changes in patient condition.
• Performing venepuncture and intravenous cannulation.
• Managing wounds, drains and indwelling devices.
• Providing nasogastric tube care and management.
• Administering medications and TPN in accordance with your scope of practice and NSW Health policies.
• Supporting patients with activities of daily living and recovery.
• Working collaboratively with medical, nursing and allied health professionals.
• Providing patient and family education to support recovery and discharge planning.
• Maintaining accurate clinical documentation.
• Contributing to a positive team culture and ongoing quality improvement.

About You

• Our ideal candidate is a compassionate and motivated Registered Nurse who is committed to delivering high-quality surgical nursing care.
• You will demonstrate:
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• A reliable and professional work ethic.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassion, honesty and integrity.
• A genuine commitment to patient-centred care.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A willingness to learn and develop your surgical nursing skills.
• The ability to work confidently in a fast-paced acute care environment.

Previous surgical nursing experience is highly desirable, however nurses who are enthusiastic about developing their skills in surgical nursing are encouraged to apply.

Senior surgical nurses who are looking to further develop their clinical leadership skills and work towards a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) role are also highly regarded.

What We Can Offer You

• Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part time employees)
• 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
• 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 permanent full or part time and temporary full 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.

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact [e-mail] for confidential support.

Information For Applicants

Casual opportunities may be available for recommended applicants.

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

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: 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 [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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