Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse - Close Observation Unit

Department of Health

Latrobe, Tasmania

Salary: $80,524 to $109,175 pro rata per annum, plus 12% superannuation.

Work Type: Part-time, onsite.

The Close Observation Unit (COU) at Mersey Community Hospital is a six-bed level 2 critical care area. It is designed for acutely unwell medical and surgical patients requiring haemodynamic, cardiac, respiratory, or neurological monitoring beyond standard ward capabilities. The unit supports patients with single-organ failure, arrhythmias, respiratory compromise, post-operative needs, sepsis, DKA, and other acute conditions. Services include non-invasive ventilation, cardiac monitoring, complex assessments, and stabilization prior to transfer when necessary. Care delivery is guided by a values-driven framework encompassing Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, alongside Integrity, Advocacy, Team, Learning, Mentorship, Enthusiasm, Cohesion, and Communication. These principles inform evidence-based care, collaborative teamwork, patient-centred decision-making, continuous quality improvement, and safe, timely escalation or transfer.

The Role

Registered Nurses in the COU provide safe, high-quality, patient-centred care through comprehensive assessments, close physiological monitoring, early recognition of deterioration, and timely intervention. Responsibilities include multidisciplinary team collaboration, attendance at daily medical rounds, accurate documentation, patient education support, and adherence to policies, safety systems, and quality processes. COU nurses maintain specialised skills, including ECG interpretation, ALS competence, non-invasive ventilation management, and emergency response. They also support junior staff and participate in professional development and continuous improvement initiatives. You will join a close-knit team that values skill, knowledge, and their pursuit in a supportive environment.

In joining the COU, you will:

• Grow your clinical confidence with structured support, including access to a dedicated Clinical Nurse Educator, monthly education calendars, simulations, journal club, and foundational COU learning requirements such as ECG basics, full-body assessments, NIV skills, and ALS1.
• Join a highly supportive team environment where teamwork, mentorship, advocacy, communication, and learning are central values. The NUM, CNE, ANUMs, and senior nurses provide guidance, supervision, and hands-on teaching to help you progress safely into higher-acuity care as needed.
• Build your acute care capability step-by-step, caring for patients requiring close observation, cardiac monitoring, respiratory support, and early deterioration recognition. This includes clear escalation pathways, structured orientation, and opportunities to develop into advanced roles over time.

Requirements

You will need:

• A great attitude, high accountability, a great work ethic, and passion for learning.
• At least 1 year of experience in an acute hospital setting will be highly regarded.

Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all selection criteria to address in your application.

Why Tasmania

The Department of Health Tasmania manages various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. It also provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a fulfilling lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system fosters strong connections with colleagues and patients, enabling you to embrace a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community.

Details of Appointment

This is a fixed-term, shift worker (fully rotational) position, working up to 64 hours per fortnight. The appointment is from 18 August 2026 to 25 July 2027. Hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full-time, part-time, and casual vacancies.

Salary Details

The salary range is $80,524 to $109,175 pro rata per annum. A 12% employer superannuation contribution is in addition to this amount. The salary range is in accordance with the Nurses and Midwives (Tasmania State Service) Agreement 2023. Access to the Grade 4 salary range ($102,439 - $109,175) is subject to successful application for progression to Grade 4.

In addition, the following allowances, calculated on the salaried incremental point, may be available:

• Post Graduate Allowance of up to 10% based on qualification type.

Salary Packaging

You will have access to salary packaging for a range of benefits, including living expenses up to $9,010 plus $2,650 in meal entertainment.