What does it really take to step into the role of a Nurse Unit Manager in palliative care?

Join Katie Bray and Shipsy Jose for an open and practical conversation about the realities of palliative care leadership. From the pathway into management and the skills that matter most, to the rewarding, challenging and sometimes unexpected parts of being a NUM.

Drawing on their own experiences in palliative care leadership, Katie and Shipsy will share what drew them to the role, what they have learned along the way and how managing a palliative care service differs from leadership in other clinical settings.

Whether you’re actively considering a NUM position, beginning to think about your next career step, or simply curious about what the role involves, this session will offer valuable insight into what life as a palliative care NUM really looks like.

The conversation will explore:

• pathways into the NUM role

• the most rewarding and challenging aspects of palliative care leadership

• the skills and qualities that help NUMs succeed

• what can be surprising about stepping into management

• who the role may — and may not — suit

• advice for nurses considering taking the next step into leadership.

Presenters

Katie Bray is a senior nurse with more than 10 years’ experience across diverse acute settings in the public health system and currently works in management and leadership within Palliative Care at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. She holds a postgraduate qualification in palliative care from Flinders University, with a specialist focus in oncology and adolescent and young adult palliative care, and is Clinical Lead of the End of Life Working Group at Peter MacCallum.

Shipsy Jose is Acting Nurse Unit Manager at the Palliative Care Hospice at Royal Darwin Hospital. She has 26 years of nursing experience, including 15 years in palliative care, and has worked across India, the Middle East, the Republic of Ireland and Australia. Shipsy holds a Master’s degree in Palliative Care from Flinders University and has progressed from Registered Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist and Acting Nurse Unit Manager within the Royal Darwin Hospital Palliative Care Hospice.

Facilitator

Grace Edwards is an experienced palliative and end of life care nurse and clinical leader, currently working as the End of Life Care Coordinator for Sydney Local Health District. She brings extensive experience in education, research and quality improvement, with a strong focus on translating evidence into practical learning for clinicians.