Director of Nursing (Cowra)

Director of Nursing (Cowra)

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/2rgoya

Director of Nursing – Full time position is vacant at our Aged Care Facility, Cowra Retirement Village in Cowra NSW, 2794. Minimum 38 hours per week on a permanent basis.

Cowra Retirement Village is a community owned, not for profit organisation committed to providing the highest standard of care to our residents in a comfortable home like setting. You will work as part of a clinical team which includes registered nurses on duty 24/7 and be supported by a professional management team and a committed resident centred board.

Located in the vibrant regional township of Cowra NSW; the organisation offers 84 residential beds including a 14-bed secured dementia unit and is one of the largest employers in the area with over 166 employees.

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall clinical governance, leadership, and operational management of the aged care facility’s nursing and care services. This role ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred care that meets the Aged Care Quality Standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational objectives.

The DoN leads the Clinical Care Manager and clinical teams, drives continuous improvement, and promotes a positive workplace culture that values professionalism, dignity, and respect.

Required Qualification: Relevant bachelor’s degree or higher qualification is required. You are required to be licenced as a Registered Nurse and have work experience of 5 year as a Registered Nurse and 5 years in the same role.

Job Description

Clinical Leadership & Governance

- Provide strong clinical leadership to ensure safe, evidence-based, and person-centred care.
- Oversee clinical decision-making, risk management, and escalation processes.
- Ensure compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicators Program.
- Implement clinical policies, procedures, and best practice guidelines.
- Monitor resident outcomes, adverse events, and incident reviews, ensuring corrective actions and improvements are implemented.





Operational & Workforce Management

- Lead and manage nursing and care teams, ensuring adequate staffing levels and skill mix.
- Coordinate rosters, leave management, and workforce planning to support service continuity.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Work collaboratively with the HR to ensure coverage staffing requirements and talent management.
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and oversee professional development of clinical staff.

Resident Care & Service Delivery

- Ensure all residents receive high-quality, holistic, and culturally safe care.
- Conduct clinical reviews and ensure personalised care plans are accurate, updated, and implemented.
- Oversee medication management, infection prevention, wound care, and chronic disease management.
- Engage with residents and families to support communication, feedback, and care planning decisions.

Compliance, Reporting & Accreditation

- Ensure the facility meets all regulatory obligations under the Aged Care Act and relevant state legislation.
- Lead preparation and participation in audits, assessments, and accreditation processes.
- Maintain accurate documentation, reporting, and record-keeping in line with legal and organisational standards.
- Monitor clinical KPIs, quality indicators, and risk registers.

Financial & Resource Management

- Assist in managing clinical budgets, including staffing, consumables, and equipment.
- Ensure efficient use of resources without compromising quality of care.
- Support financial sustainability through accurate ACFI/AN-ACC documentation and assessments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication





- Build strong relationships with residents, families, staff, external providers, and regulators.
- Provide regular updates to executive management on clinical performance, risk, and improvement initiatives.
- Promote a transparent and supportive communication culture.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

- Registered Nurse (Division 1) with current AHPRA registration.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in Senior clinical leadership within aged care or similar role will be desirable.
- Strong knowledge of Aged Care Quality Standards, Aged Care Act, AN-ACC, and accreditation processes.
- Demonstrated experience in clinical governance, staff management, and continuous improvement.

Desirable

- Postgraduate qualifications in Gerontology, Health Management, or Leadership.
- Experience managing large teams in a residential aged care setting.
- Experience in managing complex care environments including dementia care and palliative care.

Skills & Attributes

- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building capability.
- High-level clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Sound problem-solving, conflict resolution, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Commitment to resident dignity, respect, and person-centred care.

About you

· Good verbal and written English communication skills

· Strong computer skills, with intermediate knowledge and application of Microsoft Suite and care software

· Ability to work in a team

· Critical thinking/problem-solving skills

· Ability to lead others

Essential Criteria

· Current Registration with AHPRA as a Registered Nurse

· Qualifications/ training relevant to Aged Care

· Current First Aid Certificate

All applications to be sent via this job portal. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Full time

Pay: $150,000.00 – $190,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/2rgoya

📌 Director of Nursing (Cowra)
🏢 Cowra Retirement Village - Bilyara
📍 Cowra