Registered Nurse - Incentives Offered

Hunter New England Local Health District; Gunnedah; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rural Health Workforce IncentiveScheme

4 weeks annual leave

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging options

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse for a brand-new 23-bed acute care inpatient unit opened in 2026. You will be the sole RN in the unit, delivering safe, compassionate care across a diverse patient population and coordinating with ENs and NUM with after-hours support.

The role offers a temporary full-time contract until October 2027, a competitive remuneration package with incentives, rural health incentives, and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• Hold current registration as a Registered Nurse through AHPRA prior to commencing employment.
• Experience in rural nursing is valued, but safe, compassionate and clinically sound care is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Recognise and respond to changes in a patient’s clinical condition.
• Administer medications and treatments per policies and scope of practice.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and the healthcare team.
• Collaborate with Visiting Medical Officers and use telehealth to support patient care.
• Maintain accurate electronic clinical documentation in EPIC.

Job description

Remuneration

$81,748.17 - $114,771.98 + 12% super + incentives

Employment Type

Temporary Full Time until October 2027

Position Classification

Registered Nurse

Requisition ID

REQ702334

Application close date

Sunday 8th November 2026

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to work in our brand-new, 23 bed acute care Inpatient Unit, opened in 2026, with modern facilities and a welcoming team environment.

The Inpatient Unit provides care across a diverse range of presentations, including acute medical and surgical care, aged care and palliative care. Working in a small rural team means you will have the opportunity to develop broad clinical skills and provide holistic, person-centred care to patients and their families.

What You'll Be Doing

As the sole Registered Nurse in the Inpatient Unit, you will provide safe, effective and compassionate nursing care across a diverse patient population.

You Will

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to changes in a patient's clinical condition.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and scope of practice.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, carers and members of the healthcare team.
• Work collaboratively with Visiting Medical Officers and utilise telehealth services to support patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic clinical documentation using the EPIC electronic medical record system.

You will generally work alongside one to two Enrolled Nurses, dependent on patient numbers, and report to the Nurse Unit Manager (NUM), with after-hours support provided by the In-Charge.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Registered Nurse who is committed to providing high-quality patient care and who enjoys being part of a close-knit team. You will be someone who demonstrates kindness, empathy and a genuine commitment to patient-centred care.

Experience in rural nursing is valued, but the ability to provide safe, compassionate and clinically sound care is most important.

Essential Requirements

Hold current registration as a Registered Nurses through AHPRA prior to commencing employment.

Why join us?

• You may be rewarded with up to $10,000 in the first 12 months PLUS up to $5,000 each year thereafter in fortnightly payments under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme.*
• Comprehensive orientation program, with ongoing access to a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) during weekdays
• Join a great, friendly team and work in a brand-new inpatient facility with modern facilities
• Ongoing training and opportunities for professional development
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• 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

Relocating? We've Got You Covered

Making a move can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

The Welcome Experience is a free service designed to help health workers and their families settle into regional communities. From connecting you with local schools, childcare providers, sporting clubs, housing information, and community networks, the program helps make your transition smoother so you can feel at home sooner and start enjoying everything your new community has to offer.

Learn More: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience

Additional Information

• Based on a minimum 18-month commitment to the position or the agreed duration of your contract. All payments to part-time and contract employees will be made on a pro-rata basis in accordance with the terms of your contract, including any approved extensions. If your contract ends before the agreed completion date, you may be required to repay a portion of the incentive. To check your eligibility, visit the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme. For further information or to discuss your circumstances, please contact [e-mail].

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.

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

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 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.