Clinical Nurse - Day Surgery Unit

About the role

Mater Hospital Springfield is seeking applications for a Registered Nurse to step up into a Clinical Nurse – Day Surgery Unit, leave coverage opportunity from 12th October 2026 to 6th December 2026.

This is a senior clinical leadership opportunity within a high-performing Day Surgery Unit, where advanced assessment skills, strong clinical judgement and the ability to coordinate complex patient care are essential. Working in a growing, modern hospital environment, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, high-quality recovery care while supporting operational excellence within the unit.

Salary range: $57.48 - $61.55 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900  + access to many staff benefits! 

What you’ll be doing

In this clinical leadership role, you will deliver expert nursing care across admissions, stage 2 and discharges, while supporting the coordination and performance of the unit.

• Lead the team by coordinating patient flow, prioritising care, and managing day-to-day staff allocations to ensure efficient unit operations.
• Develop and manage staff rosters to meet service demands while supporting work-life balance.
• Provide strong clinical leadership through coaching, mentoring, and role modelling best practices, fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Serve as a clinical resource, offering expert guidance and support to the team.
• Mentor and support Registered and Enrolled Nurses to promote professional growth and high-quality patient care.
• Collaborate closely with Anaesthetists, Surgeons, and the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated and patient-centred care.
• Recognise and appropriately escalate clinical deterioration, utilising advanced clinical reasoning to ensure patient safety.
• Actively contribute to quality improvement initiatives, risk management, and compliance activities to maintain high standards of care.
• Support the operational leadership of the unit as delegated by the Nurse Unit Manager.
• Maintain rigorous standards of documentation, infection control, and clinical governance, monitoring compliance through regular audits.

About you

You are an experienced Day Surgery nurse with strong admission, recovery and discharge expertise, clinical leadership capability and a commitment to excellence in patient-centred care.

• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA) 
• Minimum three years’ experience in a Day Surgery Unit or a relevant acute perioperative specialty 
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant clinical specialty (postgraduate qualification highly regarded or working towards) 
• Demonstrated advanced clinical assessment and critical thinking skills 
• Proven ability to coordinate care in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment 
• Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring or supporting junior staff 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines 
• Commitment to evidence-based practice, quality improvement and safe clinical outcomes 
• Understanding of professional standards, legislation and compliance requirements within acute healthcare

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit network of public and private hospitals and healthcare services, bringing together world-class expertise across healthcare, education,  fundraising & philanthropy and research. With more than 14,000 employees, 13 facilities and almost 700,000 patients cared for each year, we're committed to empowering people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing.

At Mater, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a values-driven organisation that combines compassionate care with innovation, education and research, creating meaningful career opportunities while making a genuine difference in the communities we serve.

What’s in it for you?

• Career growth opportunities across healthcare, corporate, research and leadership pathways
• Professional development and learning through Mater Education, external partners and internal development programs
• Generous salary packaging to help maximise your take-home pay
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP, pastoral care and discounted private health insurance
• Fitness Passport access and a range of lifestyle, retail and travel discounts
• Discounted parking and reduced prices at Mater cafés and coffee outlets
• A supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and your development matters

Whether you're looking to grow your career, develop new skills or be part of something meaningful, Mater provides the opportunity to thrive while making a lasting impact.

Be part of something bigger. Make your move with Mater. #GetBetterWithMater

Applications close Friday, 25^th September 2026 – please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date, please do not hesitate to APPLY NOW.

Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre‑employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Visit our Reconciliation webpage. 

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.