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Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN)

• The Royal Adelaide Hospital 
• Salary  RN-3  $130,190 - $136,010 p.a. + super + salary packaging
• Permanent full-time

Nursing Careers at CALHN 

Join our dedicated nursing team at CALHN, where you’ll help shape the future of health through world-class care and research - achieving the extraordinary every day.

• Be part of a safe and connected, person-centred nursing community
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver exceptional patient outcomes
• Grow your career in a supportive, innovative environment
• Make a real difference in the lives of South Australians every day

Find out more about CALHN sites and services, our stories and the opportunities to be part of CALHN

About the Role

As the Nurse Unit Manager – Perioperative Recovery (Zone 1/2), you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Nurse Manager and Nurse Lead to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality and efficient nursing services across the perioperative recovery environment. Drawing on your clinical expertise, leadership capability and operational insight, you will contribute to key functions including staffing methodologies, recruitment and selection, financial administration, patient flow, bed and resource management, accreditation activities, risk management processes and information systems oversight. Your leadership will support optimal patient outcomes, enhance workforce capability and strengthen day-to-day clinical operations.

In this dynamic leadership role, you will hold accountability for nursing and midwifery management outcomes within your designated portfolio, ensuring alignment between practice and policy while fostering a positive and safe workplace culture. You may provide management support across specific wards or recovery areas, oversee allocated portfolios, coordinate projects to improve service delivery, or provide after-hours operational oversight including staff allocation, patient flow and professional responsibility for nursing staff. This position offers the opportunity to shape service excellence, lead multidisciplinary collaboration and make a meaningful impact on patient experience within a fast-paced perioperative environment.

About You

You are a confident and collaborative nursing leader with strong clinical foundations, excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care within a dynamic perioperative recovery environment. With proven leadership capability, sound judgement and the ability to guide teams through change, you bring a balanced blend of clinical expertise, operational insight and people-focused leadership.

• Educational/Vocational Qualifications – Registered (or eligible for registration) as a Nurse and/or Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, holding or eligible to hold a current practising certificate. Mental health qualification or enrolment is acceptable where applicable to the role.

• Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills – Strong leadership, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritise and meet deadlines; creativity and flexibility in addressing clinical and operational challenges; ability to foster staff development, promote consumer engagement and lead effective change; and capacity to apply WHS and risk-management principles.

• Experience – Minimum of three years’ post-registration experience with demonstrated competence in the perioperative clinical area, supported by experience in leadership, management and project coordination within healthcare settings.

• Knowledge – Sound understanding of relevant legislation, industrial agreements, standards, codes and professional ethics; knowledge of quality-improvement systems; and strong awareness of contemporary nursing, midwifery and broader healthcare issues.

Why You’ll Love It Here - CALHN benefits that matter
We know that a great career is about more than just the work you do, it’s also about the support you receive. At CALHN, you’ll enjoy:

• Salary packaging – up to $9,010 for living expenses + $2,650 for meals & entertainment + pre-tax super & novated lease options
• Clinical collaboration – work with multidisciplinary teams to access a supportive network of clinicians with broad, shared expertise
• Safe connections – be part of a culture of safety and connectivity, focusing on outcomes and continuous improvements
• Professional development – funding + study leave for growth opportunities
• Recognition & growth – celebrate success and explore opportunities across CALHN’s many sites
• Flexible work options – speak to us about flexibility options for this role to suit your lifestyle
• Paid leave – with leave loading for rest and recharge
• Health & fitness perks – discounted access to Fitness Passport & free flu vaccinations
• Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program for you & your family

Diversity & Inclusion
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, culturally diverse backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Application Information

• Please refer to the role description for essential educational/vocational qualifications that may be required be required     948963 RD Nurse Unit Manager - Perioperative Recovery (Zone 1-2).pdf
• Appointment will be subject to satisfactory Criminal History Clearances and compliant immunisation screening as indicated in the role description.

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Apply Now
Applications close: 11:55 pm, Sunday, 13 September 2026

Job Ref:  948963

Go to the SA Health Career Website for how to apply, and Australian and International applicant guidelines for more information

Please note that unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies or third parties will not be accepted for this position