Chief Nursing Officer

About the Company
Our client is a Federal Government commission that leads and coordinates national improvements in healthcare safety and quality. It works in partnership with patients, carers, clinicians, the Australian, state and territory health systems, the private sector, managers and healthcare organisations to achieve a safe, high-quality and sustainable health system.  Key functions of the Commission includes developing national safety and quality standards, developing clinical care standards to improve the implementation of evidence-based health care, coordinating work in specific areas to improve outcomes for patients, and providing information, publications and resources about safety and quality.
 
About the Role
This position reports to the CEO and will provide expert clinical and professional advice to the Commission, its Board and standing committees. An important part of the role is ensuring effective clinical engagement of the nursing profession and collaboration with the broader clinical workforce and critical stakeholders. As a member of the Executive, the CNO will work collaboratively with other members of the Executive and their program directors to implement, and report progress on key deliverables. The CNO will collaborate with teams across the Commission to drive and coordinate the delivery of initiatives supporting comprehensive patient centred care and communicating for safety and will be responsible for the management of the comprehensive patient care and communicating for safety teams.
 
Your key responsibilities will include: 

• Provide input into, and lead, the development and implementation of national safety and quality policies and programs.
• Take responsibility for oversight and management of special projects including research, needs assessment, strategic planning and evaluation related to the activities of the Commission.
• Liaise at a senior level with key stakeholders and organisations such as the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging, state and territory health departments, professional, peak, consumer and healthcare bodies in relation to safety and quality in health care.
• Work co-operatively and share appropriate information with a variety of medical, industry and consumer stakeholders to maintain and enhance the quality of policy advice and support to the Commission in relation to safety and quality.
• Represent the Commission, as necessary, through participation in committees and meetings at state, national and international levels. Promote the priorities and work of the Commission through a range of communications, public relations and participation at relevant national and international meetings, and fora.
• Manage and supervise program teams including performance management responsibilities.
• Accountable to the CEO, and to the Board and its standing committees through the CEO, for all aspects of their relevant programs including: budget and staff resourcing; decisions on major strategic direction; content and the programs' deliverables; matters which may affect the reputation of the Commission.
• Collaborate with program teams across the Commission to ensure alignment with other work programs and strategic priorities.

• An extensive understanding of Australia's health care system, including understanding of the development and implementation of national approaches to safety and quality in health care, and government processes and requirements.
• Extensive experience in professional nursing practice and nursing leadership, with expertise and knowledge of best practice principles relating to continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Demonstrated high level experience in managing complex programs and projects in safety and quality in health care, or a similar field, and achieving results.
• Proven capacity to develop and implement strategy, including providing expert clinical advice and practical guidance to senior stakeholders on the design, implementation and evaluation of policies and programs related to safety and quality in health care.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the proven ability to liaise and negotiate sensitively and effectively with government and non-government stakeholders and build strong relationships.
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain high performing teams, combined with the ability to work effectively with, and manage staff.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to prepare high level briefing documents and submissions, present publicly to large audiences, strategically negotiate and explain complex clinical issues simply.