Arrow Health is a specialist private hospital delivering evidence-based detoxification, stabilisation, and behaviour change programs for individuals experiencing substance use and dual-diagnosis conditions. As we continue to strengthen governance, compliance, and clinical excellence, we are seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to provide strategic and operational nursing leadership across the organisation.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced, motivated and strategically minded Director of Nursing to lead clinical and operational excellence at Arrow Health. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive role is central to strengthening our clinical governance framework, supporting safe and effective detoxification and rehabilitation services, and positioning Arrow Health for sustainable growth.
Working closely with our Leadership Team, Medical Advisory Committee, and multidisciplinary team, the Director of Nursing will drive quality, compliance, workforce capability, and service performance across the hospital and wider service. The role requires a strong understanding of addiction medicine, dual diagnosis care, and private hospital regulatory requirements in Victoria.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Governance & Regulatory Compliance
* Lead and maintain a robust clinical governance framework.
* Ensure compliance with NSQHS Standards and Victorian private hospital regulatory requirements.
* Oversee incident management, root cause analysis, open disclosure, and risk mitigation processes.
* Lead accreditation preparation and regulatory inspections.
* Ensure credentialing, scope of practice, and professional standards are upheld across nursing services.
Clinical Operations & Patient Safety
* Provide operational oversight of detoxification and rehabilitation nursing services.
* Maintain safe medication management systems, including Schedule 8 governance.
* Ensure appropriate staffing models aligned with patient acuity and risk profile.
* Monitor documentation standards and clinical record integrity.
* Facilitate effective multidisciplinary collaboration across psychiatry, general practice, psychology, and allied health.
Quality Improvement & Outcomes
* Monitor clinical indicators, adverse events, and benchmarking data.
* Lead internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Embed outcome measurement across admission, discharge, and post-discharge timeframes.
* Promote evidence-based practice within addiction and mental health care settings.
Workforce Leadership & Culture
* Lead recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning.
* Develop nursing capability through mentoring, supervision, and professional development pathways.
* Manage performance and foster a culture of accountability, compassion, and behavioural change.
* Promote staff wellbeing and psychological safety in a high-acuity environment.
Strategic & Executive Contribution
* Contribute to organisational growth and service development initiatives.
* Support executive decision-making with workforce, risk, and compliance insight.
* Participate in strategic planning and long-term service design.
Selection Criteria
Essential
* Current AHPRA registration as a Registered Nurse (no restrictions).
* Postgraduate qualification in nursing leadership, mental health, or health management (or working toward).
* Minimum 5 years’ senior nursing leadership experience within a hospital environment.
* Demonstrated experience in addiction treatment, detoxification, or mental health services.
* Strong knowledge of NSQHS Standards and Victorian private hospital regulatory requirements.
* Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary clinical teams.
* Proven capability in clinical governance, accreditation preparation, and quality systems oversight.
Desirable
* Endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner (AHPRA) – desirable but not essential.
* Experience within private hospital operations.
* Formal training in healthcare quality, risk management, or clinical governance frameworks.
* Experience contributing to organisational growth or service transformation.
Key Competencies
* Executive-level clinical leadership
* Regulatory literacy and compliance oversight
* Risk management and governance expertise
* Strategic thinking with operational discipline
* High emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement capability
* Clear, decisive communication and accountability