Shape the Future of Paediatric Nursing at Ward J1

Remuneration: $149,408.11 - $152,392.73 + superannuation + salary packaging

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Hours: 38 hours per week

Position Classification: Nurse Unit Manager Level 2

Location: John Hunter Children’s Hospital

Requisition ID: REQ687285

Internal NSW Health Opportunity

Application Close: Sunday 13th September 2026

Make a Difference in Paediatric Nursing Leadership

We’re seeking an experienced and passionate Nurse Unit Manager Level 2 to lead Ward J1, a 19-bed General Surgical, Orthopaedic and Oncology ward caring for children from birth to 18 years.

Reporting to the Acute Nurse Manager, you’ll provide solid clinical and operational leadership, champion family-centred care, support your team and drive continuous improvement.

Join us to lead a dedicated team and make a meaningful difference to children and their families.

About You

We’re looking for an inspiring nursing leader who can:

- Lead, support and develop high-performing teams.
- Communicate effectively and manage competing priorities.
- Apply sound clinical judgement and drive evidence-based practice.
- Lead quality improvement and deliver service outcomes.
- Foster an inclusive, positive team culture and develop future nursing leaders.
- Champion child- and family-centred care and NSW Health values.

Postgraduate qualifications in leadership or management are highly regarded. Paediatric experience is advantageous, but leadership capability, clinical expertise and a genuine passion for paediatric care are key. About Ward J1 & The Role

Ward J1 at John Hunter Children’s Hospital provides specialised inpatient care to children and young people requiring general surgical, orthopaedic and oncology treatment. As part of a tertiary referral centre serving the Hunter New England and Northern NSW regions, J1 offers a diverse and rewarding clinical environment with opportunities to develop paediatric expertise and leadership capability.

As Nurse Unit Manager, you will lead the clinical and operational delivery of the ward, supported by experienced nursing leaders, structured onboarding and leadership development opportunities.

You Will Be Responsible For

- Providing clinical leadership and coordinating staffing and resources.
- Supporting staff development, wellbeing and performance.
- Driving quality improvement and evidence-based care.
- Developing future nursing leaders and team capability.
- Fostering an inclusive, high-performing team culture.




- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated care.
- Lead a dedicated paediatric team, influence practice and make a meaningful difference to children and families.

Why Join Hunter New England Health? Join a leading health service where you can make a meaningful difference to children, young people, families and the nursing workforce. You’ll have the chance to lead a passionate paediatric team, shape the future of Ward J1, drive quality improvement, mentor future leaders and build your career within Hunter New England Health.

What We Can Offer You

✅ Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.

✅ Sustainable Healthcare – Together towards zero

✅

Salary packaging options of up to $11,600, plus novated leasing.

✅ Fitness Passport with discounted gym options for you and your family.

✅ Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.

If you’re an experienced nursing leader passionate about paediatric care, developing people and service excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your leadership and clinical expertise to Ward J1 at John Hunter Children’s Hospital and help shape the future of paediatric nursing.

Need more information?

Click here for the Position Description

Find out more about applying for this position. For role related queries or questions contact Paul Widseth on [email protected]

- 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.
- 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 [email protected] for confidential support.

- An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

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: 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 [email protected] or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of advantages 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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📌 Nurse Unit Manager Level 2 Paediatrics (Maitland)
🏢 Hunter New England Local Health District
📍 Maitland