Take the lead in one of Central Queensland’s busiest and most dynamic Emergency Departments at Rockhampton Hospital. Delivering 24/7 adult and paediatric emergency care, this fast-paced service manages everything from minor injuries to major trauma and life-threatening emergencies, with around 149 presentations daily.

In this influential leadership role, you’ll guide a passionate workforce of staff across Emergency, Short Stay and Transit Lounge services, driving innovation, patient-centred care, workforce growth and future service development. Working alongside Retrieval Services Queensland, RFDS and multidisciplinary teams, you’ll make a genuine impact on healthcare across the region.

Short-term accommodation and relocation assistance considered - making your move, and choice even easier. Hit apply today!

Job details

About us:

Step into the heart of emergency care at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service's busiest Emergency Department. Rockhampton Hospital delivers 24/7 adult and paediatric emergency care, managing everything from minor injuries to major trauma and life-threatening emergencies.

As the region's leading referral Emergency Department, the team works alongside Retrieval Services Queensland, Royal Flying Doctor Service and multidisciplinary specialists to support communities across Central Queensland. With around 149 presentations every day, a 26-bed treatment area, Fast Track service, Short Stay Unit and Transit Lounge, this is a fast-paced, high-impact environment where no two shifts are the same.

About the role:

• Lead the strategic and day-to-day operations of the Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit, ensuring safe, high-quality and patient-centred care.
• Inspire and support nursing and multidisciplinary teams through workforce planning, recruitment, professional development and a positive workplace culture.
• Drive continuous improvement, clinical governance and patient safety through quality initiatives, risk management and compliance with healthcare standards.
• Oversee operational, financial and resource management, including budgeting, service planning and sustainable service delivery.
• Champion service innovation and future growth by improving patient flow, strengthening workforce capability and leading redesign and redevelopment initiatives.
• Lead and manage a workforce of approximately 70 FTE nursing staff across the Emergency Department, Short Stay Unit and Transit Lounge, with planned growth of an additional 20 FTE by 2027.

About you:

• As the successful applicant, you will hold current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia - proof of qualifications required. Postgraduate qualifications in emergency nursing, leadership and/or management will be highly regarded.
• Bring your ability to lead and manage a complex Emergency Department environment, including operations, workforce coordination, patient flow and service delivery.
• Demonstrate strong commitment to clinical governance, patient safety and continuous improvement through evidence-based practice, risk management and effective multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Demonstrate expertise in strategic resource management, stakeholder engagement and driving innovation and change to improve patient outcomes and operational performance.

What we offer:

Total remuneration value of up to $173,368 p.a. is comprised of:

• An hourly rate between $70.58 - $76.63 p.h.
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading

Additional Benefits:

• Ongoing Professional Development and Education Opportunities
• Flexible Work-Life Balance and Variety
• Generous Salary Sacrificing Options
• Professional development leave and allowance
• Short-term accommodation and Relocation assistance (conditions apply)
• Opportunities to participate in Research projects and initiatives
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted Private Health Insurance
• Fitness Passport

Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) requirements:

It is a condition of employment for this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases as listed on the Role Description.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

• Your current CV or resume, including referees.
• A cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing how your experience, skills and values align with the key responsibilities and expectations outlined in the Role Description.
• Any additional forms / evidence as attached or listed on the Role Description.

For assistance:

1. Contact Recruitment.CentralQueensland@health.qld.gov.au
2. Quote the Job Ad Reference (JAR) RK6E683941

Applications close: Wednesday, 24 June 2026

#Rockhampton

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Microsoft Word (.doc) or PDF file types are supported. Files must be a maximum of 2MB each.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Information for Applicants (PDF)
  
  RK6E683941 - Nurse Unit Manager (Emergency) (PDF)