Nursing

A message from the Director of Nursing

It is an honour to represent my nursing colleagues in the capacity of director of nursing at this hospital, and a privilege to work with such a dedicated and professional team of nursing staff.

The nursing division at this hospital is committed to promoting the highest standard of care. It is characterised by a sense of teamwork and an environment renowned for being 'friendly'. We are committed to:

innovation
flexible rosters and working hours
staff consultation
ongoing professional development

At Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, we recognise that an essential aspect of health care is the right of the patient to participate in the assessment, implementation and determination of their care. Integral to this process is the need for the nurse to act as advocate on the part of the patient or their family. We support and encourage this practice amongst our nursing staff.

Our nurses work independently and also interdependently with other members of the health care team, and receive the full support of nursing management.

Nurses have a responsibility to demonstrate effective judgement, clinical excellence and adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct, individually and collectively. These overriding principles guide the delivery of nursing care and practice at this hospital, and ensure that our patients are provided with an optimum environment in which to regain their health. We pride ourselves on providing education for our nursing staff to enable them to achieve this.

I encourage you to view this website and the our range of information we have provided about nursing at hospital. If you would like more information or wish to enquire about a position, please contact me at Ellen Moore

Ellen Moore
A/Director of Nursing

Employment opportunities

The Hospital provides excellent employment opportunities in both inpatient and specialty outpatient services. A variety of work options are available to nurses, including full-time and part-time with flexible shift options. Opportunities are available to work 9am - 5pm, and also on a rotating roster. Applicants are invited to discuss their needs on application.

Conditions of employment are in line with the NSW Public Nurses' State Award.

More employment information

Overseas sponsorship

South East Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service is a registered prequalified overseas business sponsor, which enables us to provide sponsorship for those wishing to commence employment at the Hospital.

If you are considering a nursing career at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, please contact 61 2 9382 7495 or Ellen Moore for more information about sponsorship.

More information about nursing or sponsorship can be found at Nursing in South East Sydney Illawarra Health Service

Nursing specialties

Our hospital offers a combination of general and specialist health specialties, including inpatient and specialty outpatient services:

Inpatient services

Ophthalmology, general medicine, general surgery, ear, nose and throat, specialist hand surgery, high dependency unit, drug and alcohol, orthopaedics.

View ward accommodation information

Specialty Outpatient Services

sexual health and venereology - Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Kirketon Road Centre
drug and alcohol - The Langton Centre, Kirketon Road Centre
HIV/AIDS - ADAHPT
ophthalmology - Eye Outpatients Department

Nursing education

The Hospital participates in the new graduate program, the NSW Health Nursing Reconnect Program and offers clinical placements for programs offered by other institutions within the Area.

An innovative ongoing in-service education program is offered to registered nurses employed by the Hospital. These sessions are offered weekly throughout the year and are based on the needs of the nursing staff.

Post registration nursing education

Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital has a long history of offering education programs to registered nurses. Post Registration Nursing courses currently on offer include:

Alcohol and Other Drugs
Infection Control
Ophthalmology
Sexual Health and Venereology
HIV Infection and Disease

Completion of these courses qualifies participants for advanced standing into the Nursing Masters Degree offered by the University of Sydney

Additional nursing courses

Other courses include:

oncology and the eye
evidence based practice
diabetes and the eye

Urban health

Interested in nursing research? The hospital's Urban Health Nursing Unit aids in the development and facilitation of research in nursing, to promote evidenced-based nursing practice throughout the campus. This unit is affiliated with the University of Sydney and managed by the Professor of Urban Health.

Famous connections

Sydney Hospital's association with Florence Nightingale began in 1866, when Henry Parkes, the Colonial Secretary, appealed to the famous nursing sister for assistance with training nurses.

As part of the agreement to supply qualified staff, accommodation was needed for the nurses, which gave rise to the Thomas Rowe's Nightingale Wing in 1868. This is the oldest building on the campus and is still in use.

The nursing team from the Nightingale Training School in London, led by Lucy Osburn, was the first sent abroad from that distinguished school. By introducing the Nightingale nursing system to Australia, Lucy Osburn and Sydney Hospital have both earned an important place in our nation's nursing history.