The Team:
The Close Observation Unit (COU) at the Mersey Community Hospital is a six‑bed level 2 critical care area designed for acutely ill medical and surgical patients who require close haemodynamic, cardiac, respiratory, or neurological monitoring beyond what can be provided on a standard ward. It supports patients with single‑organ failure, arrhythmias, respiratory compromise, post‑operative needs, sepsis, DKA, and other acute conditions, offering non‑invasive ventilation, cardiac monitoring, complex assessments, and stabilisation prior to transfer when needed. Care is delivered within a values‑driven framework grounded in Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, alongside the unit’s extended values of Integrity, Advocacy, Team, Learning, Mentorship, Enthusiasm, Cohesion and Communication, which collectively guide practice and team culture. These principles underpin the unit’s commitment to evidence‑based care, collaborative teamwork, patient‑centred decision‑making, continuous quality improvement, and safe, timely escalation or transfer when higher‑level care is required.
The Role:
Registered Nurses working in the COU deliver safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred care through comprehensive assessments, close physiological monitoring, early recognition of deterioration, and timely intervention. They collaborate within a multidisciplinary team, attend daily medical rounds, maintain accurate documentation, support patient education, and adhere to policies, safety systems, and quality processes. COU nurses maintain specialised skills—including ECG interpretation, ALS competence, non‑invasive ventilation management, and emergency response—while supporting junior staff and actively participating in professional development and continuous improvement initiatives. You will be joining a close-knit team who values skill, knowledge and the pursuit of the same in a supportive environment.
In joining COU you will:
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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.
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Join a highly supportive team environment where teamwork, mentorship, advocacy, communication, and learning are central values, and where 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.
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Build your acute care capability step‑by‑step, caring for patients requiring close observation, cardiac monitoring, respiratory support, and early deterioration recognition, with clear escalation pathways, structured orientation, and opportunities to develop into advanced roles over time.
You will need:
A great attitude, high accountability, a great work ethic and passion for learning. At least 1 year experience in an acute hospital setting will be highly regarded.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Tasmania:
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees 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. Additionally, it 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 luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment:
Fixed term shift worker (fully rotational) position, working up to 76 hours per fortnight, as soon as we can onboard you until 3 January 2027.
*notwithstanding 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: $80,524 to $109,175 pro rata per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with 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’ll have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Benefits available to eligible candidates:
- Travel and relocation assistance support available up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
- Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility:
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply:
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
*applications from Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this role.
For more information:
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Hayley Morse
Position: Nurse Unit Manager
Phone number: 03) 6478 5369
Email address: hayley.morse@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle
One Health Podcast - Spotify
One Health Podcast - Apple
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.