Nurse Unit Manager/Program Manager
- Location: Sunshine Hospital
- Employment Type: Ongoing, Full-Time
- Salary: RPN Grade 4, Unit Manager (NP78) + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
About the role:
Western Health’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Division is seeking an accomplished and motivated Nurse Unit Manager (NUM)/Program Manager to lead Unit 3, a contemporary adult inpatient mental health unit at the Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre.
Key responsibilities:
As the NUM, you will provide visible, accessible and values-based leadership to a diverse multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of safe, coordinated, person-centred and recovery-focused care. You will be responsible for the operational, clinical and professional governance of the unit, with key priorities including:
- Managing daily operational flow, bed access and activity
- Leading and mentoring nursing and multidisciplinary staff
- Driving continuous improvement, quality, safety and accreditation readiness
- Achieving workforce KPIs including recruitment, retention, roster governance, leave management and staff development
- Managing budget performance, resource allocation and service optimisation
- Embedding evidence-based practice, reflective learning and consumer involvement
- Leading clinical standards in partnership with medical and allied health leadership
- Strengthening team culture, communication and staff wellbeing
- Creating an environment that supports innovation, learning, research and exemplary consumer experience
This role requires a leader who brings confidence, accountability and emotional intelligence, and who can inspire staff through periods of growth, complexity and service evolution. You will work closely with divisional leadership, clinical partners, and broader stakeholders to ensure Unit 3 continues to deliver high-quality care aligned with Western Health’s strategic priorities.
Unit 3 is an award-nominated service operating within a state-of-the-art mental health facility designed to enhance safety, therapeutic engagement and staff wellbeing. The unit has been:
- Shortlisted for four Western Health Best Care Awards
- Shortlisted for the Centre for Mental Health Learning Innovation in Education Award
- A finalist for Nursing and Midwifery Team of the Year (2024 & 2025)
- A finalist at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for Ascending Wellness – A Tiered Approach to Mental Health Care (P144 Project)
- Winner of the 2024 Best Comprehensive Care Quality Improvement Project
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
Simply click on the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 26 December 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Kathleen Kelly on 0417 149 448.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.