Chief Nursing Officer | Shape Australia's Nursing Future
Chief Nursing Officer | Shape Australia's Nursing Future
Contract Type:
Location: Melbourne
Industry: Healthcare & Medical
Contact Name: Catherine Reidy
Contact Email: creidy@derwentsearch.com.au
Contact Phone: +61 2 9223 1855
Date Published: 11-Sep-2025
Epworth HealthCare offers leading solutions in diagnosis, clinical treatment, and rehabilitation. From maternity services to cancer treatment programs, their private not-for-profit hospitals provide exceptional patient care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Chief Nursing Officer will lead nursing and midwifery excellence across Epworth’s multi-site health service, driving strategic innovation while ensuring exceptional patient outcomes. This necessitates a leadership approach that demonstrates confidence in addressing complex nursing challenges, implementing evidence-based improvements, and fostering collaborative relationships across all levels of the organisation.
This executive role represents an unprecedented opportunity to shape contemporary nursing practice within Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private healthcare group, overseeing nursing services across their comprehensive network of hospitals and clinical services.
An Exceptional Opportunity
As Chief Nursing Officer, you will lead nursing excellence through authentic operational engagement across Epworth's comprehensive hospital network. This role demands a leader who combines executive acumen with genuine floor presence—someone who engages directly with nursing teams and maintains connection to contemporary practice challenges. You will be expected to demonstrate hands-on clinical leadership, staying grounded in frontline realities and ensuring your strategic decisions reflect operational insights.
You will partner with members of Epworth's high-performing executive team to drive organisational success, while serving as an accessible and credible professional voice who understands the operational realities facing today's nursing workforce.
Over 1,500 nurses and midwives participate in Epworth’s comprehensive clinical, leadership, education, and research pathways through The Brookes Academy. This provides an additional platform for influence, working alongside established partners and supported by generous benefactors.
Your portfolio will encompass clinical governance, professional standards, workforce development, research and innovation, and strategic planning across multiple hospital sites, each with distinct specialities and care models. You will engage with diverse stakeholders including Epworth’s medical staff, research partners, philanthropic supporters, and regulatory bodies.
Innovation and Growth
Epworth's strong financial performance and strategic position create exceptional opportunities for professional impact. Their commitment to innovation, evidenced through their research partnerships and advancement of clinical practices, provides a platform for leading evidence-based improvements in nursing care delivery.
The successful candidate will drive the continued evolution of their comprehensive nursing programs, from graduate development through to executive leadership pathways, while positioning Epworth at the forefront of contemporary nursing practice and education.
What Epworth HealthCare Offers
- Executive leadership role within Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private healthcare group.
- Opportunity to shape the development and direction of a purpose-built nursing education facility.
- Access to exceptional support for professional development initiatives.
- Partnership with leading academic institutions and research organisations.
- The platform to influence nursing practice and education at a national level.
We’re seeking an exceptional nursing leader with:
- Advanced qualifications in nursing and leadership.
- Proven track record in hands-on operational nursing leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain clinical credibility and frontline connection.
- Experience in multi-site healthcare operations with complex workforce management.
- Strong delivery focus with ability to implement practical solutions.
- Strategic thinking combined with exceptional operational capabilities and floor presence.
- Commitment to evidence-based practice and contemporary clinical innovation.
- Experience in professional development, education, or academic partnerships.
- Proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
How to Apply:
We welcome contact from potential applicants with any questions, however it is our strong preference to receive a copy of your curriculum vitae in advance of enquiries. Thereafter, to discuss please contact Catherine Reidy at healthcarepractice@derwentsearch.com.au.
Applications close Friday 26th September 11:59pm (AEST).