POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION
DATE
DIVISION
NEXT REVIEW DATE
AREA
JOB GRADE
RESPONSIBLE TO
POSITION NUMBER
COST CENTRE
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
HOURS OF DUTY
ASSOCIATE NURSE UNIT MANAGER
NOVEMBER 2008
NURSING
NOVEMBER 2011
3
NURSE UNIT MANAGER
AS PER THE NURSES (VICTORIAN HEALTH
SERVICES) AWARD
AS PER CONTRACT
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager position is recognised as a key support management / leadership
position within the health care organisation and is central to the fulfilment of the hospital’s mission and
vision. As a leader of the nursing profession, the Associate Nurse Unit Manager assists in setting
expectations, developing, planning and managing processes to assess, improve and maintain the
profession’s management, clinical, educational and support activities.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
To function effectively in this position, the Registered Nurse should have a minimum of five years postregistration experience with appropriate qualification and/or experience in the relevant nursing speciality.
It is desirable that the Associate Nurse Unit Manager has or is working towards an appropriate
qualification, or is undertaking relevant courses in the area of specialty and / or management.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will support the Nurse Unit Manager and deputise when
required in the following areas:

Manage ward/unit human resources, liaising with management resource staff as required. Advise
the Associate Director of Nursing Personnel of predicted staff deficiencies and participate in
developing alternative strategies to ensure continuance of services.

Roster nursing staff, ensuring that Award conditions and Hospital policies related to rostering
leave requests/approval are adhered to, at all times considering ward/unit service requirements.

Recruit, interview and appoint nursing and ancillary staff to the ward/unit in conjunction with
the Associate Director of Nursingl.

Observe the ideals of Human Resources Management which includes Equal Employment
Opportunity.

Develop a knowledge of industrial relations and the ability to diplomatically negotiate industrial
issues within the ward/unit referring industrial matters to the Director of Nursing or delegated
representative.

Conduct staff appraisals in accordance with the Nursing Service Policy ensuring that appropriate
counselling is provided for nursing staff with identified professional or personal needs, setting
and evaluating objectives where required, in conjunction with relevant personnel, consulting with
the Director of Nursing or delegated representative as required.

Ensure that patient care facilities, equipment and supplies meet required standards for safe
patient care provision and ensure that staff understand Occupational Health and Safety
legislation which relates to a safe environment.
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FINANCIAL
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will support the Nurse Unit Manager and deputise when
required in the following areas:

Manage available resources efficiently to remain within the ward/unit’s agreed budget allocation
whilst maintaining high standards of patient care.

Assume responsibility for the allocation of staff according to specific clinical needs and the
funded establishment profile using available information systems and planning tools as part of
the decision making process.

Implement strategies to control human and material resource utilisation and expenditure, predict
trends in the provision of patient care which will influence resource expenditure and participate
in the preparation of submissions.

Check, authorise and submit nursing and ancillary time sheets.

Maintain the responsibility for reporting equipment requiring repair/maintenance, checking of
repair and replacement items.

Prepare an annual equipment budget submission, including costing and rationale for purchase.
CLINICAL
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will support the Nurse Unit Manager and deputise when
required in the following areas:

Develop and adopt standards of care for the designated ward/unit and assist in directing and
guiding all staff in the continuing assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of
activities and goals aimed at achieving optimal patient care.

Establish and maintain high quality standards of patient care by supervision and personal
example, in accordance with Nursing and Hospital policies and procedures.

Ensure that all nursing staff fully understand all aspects of patients assigned to their care.

Maintain responsibility for accurate and adequate nursing documentation concerning patient
care, ensuring confidentiality of information.

Assist nursing staff to develop and utilise ward management skills which will enable patient care
goals to be met.

Ensure that health education is provided for patients and, where indicated, utilise clinical nursing
expertise.

Ensure the availability and accessibility of up to date Hospital and Nursing Service policy and
procedure manuals and ward/unit manuals.

Develop and maintain effective lines of communication with health team members, clinical,
education and administration support personnel contributing to patient care within the
ward/unit and the hospital.

Conduct regular ward meetings with ward/unit nursing staff.

Be aware of, and develop within others, an understanding of ethical issues that have implications
for nursing practice.

Initiate, participate in and implement the recommendations of Quality Improvement and
Nursing Research Programmes, utilising relevant personnel as required.

Be conversant with the action required and respond appropriately in the event of either an
internal or external emergency situation.

Ensure supervision and effect implementation of recommended infection control policies and
procedures within the ward/unit.

Record accurately incident/accidents occurring at ward/unit level, involving staff and patients
and action taken, report to the Director of Nursing or delegated representative as required.
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EDUCATION
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will support the Nurse Unit Manager and deputise when
required in the following areas:

Attend relevant management and clinical education programmes, maintaining a commitment to
personal and professional development.

Maintain a relevant ward or unit orientation programme and ensure that all new staff to the area
participate in same.

Foster staff development by encouraging all members of nursing and ancillary staff to attend
relevant inservice education programmes and to pursue ongoing education.

Maintain record of attendance at ward/unit inservice programmes.

Participate in education programmes at ward/unit and Nursing Service level.

Ensure staff are competent to use new therapeutic devices.

Establish and maintain a register of competency appropriate to the ward/unit.

Provide resource support by liaising with other health care agencies, as required.
GENERAL
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will support the Nurse Unit Manager and deputise when
required in the following areas:

Actively participate in nursing and interdisciplinary committees and contribute to the
development of philosophies, policies and procedures.

Inform the Director of Nursing or delegated representative of situations relating to patient care,
staff and/or the community/public which may require intervention or follow up.

Prepare submissions and reports in accordance with the specific responsibilities of the position.

Participate in decision making when changes to the physical environment and/or the future
provision of patient services are being planned.

Attend senior nursing staff forums and meetings to facilitate communication amongst peers and
enhance professional development.

Contribute to the professional development and learning experience of colleagues by acting as a
role model.

Undertake other responsibilities as designated by the Director of Nursing.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
The Associate Nurse Unit Manager will participate in a performance appraisal six months after
appointment and thereafter annually with the Nurse Unit Manager.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In accordance with the Federal Registered Nurses Award and employment contract signed on
appointment to the position.
CAREER PATHWAY
 Nurse Unit Manager
 Coordinator
 Patient Service Coordinator
 Director of Nursing
SIGNED:
WITNESS:
DATE:
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