As a Manager - Nursing with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage nursing teams while ensuring the delivery of high-quality health care services to Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing nursing operations at military health care facilities, including clinics, hospitals, and field settings. Your leadership will focus on staff development, performance management, and maintaining professional nursing standards across your team.
In this role, you will manage budgets, coordinate patient care initiatives, and ensure compliance with federal health care regulations and DND policies. You will work collaboratively with other health care professionals, military commanders, and administrative staff to support the health and readiness of the Armed Forces. Your responsibilities will include recruiting and retaining qualified nursing personnel, implementing quality improvement programs, and adapting nursing services to meet operational demands.
You will work in a dynamic, mission-focused environment where your decisions directly impact the health and operational effectiveness of military personnel. This role offers the opportunity to lead during both routine operations and emergency situations, including deployments and humanitarian missions. The work environment is professional and structured, with clear chains of command and established protocols.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of nursing services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the nursing team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To be successful as a Manager - Nursing, you must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent from an accredited Canadian nursing program. You must be a registered nurse (RN) with active registration in good standing with your provincial or territorial nursing regulatory body. Current CPR/BLS certification at the appropriate level is required.
Experience in nursing practice is essential. Most candidates will have at least 5-7 years of registered nursing experience, with progressively increasing responsibility in direct patient care or nursing leadership. Additional qualifications that strengthen your application include a Master's degree in Nursing, Business Administration, or Health Services Administration, as well as formal management or leadership training.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through DND, including military health care management courses, leadership training through the Canadian Armed Forces, and continued professional education in nursing. You may pursue advanced certifications in specialties such as critical care, emergency nursing, or occupational health nursing depending on your posting and career goals.
Entry Plans
Entry into a Manager - Nursing position with DND typically occurs through formal government competitions. These may be advertised through the Public Service Commission (PSC) job board and the DND Civilian Careers website. Positions are usually open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
You may enter through a number of pathways depending on your background. If you are currently a registered nurse working in Canada, you can apply to advertised Manager - Nursing competitions when they are posted. If you are already employed as a civilian with the federal Public Service, you may apply for lateral moves to this position or be considered through internal staffing processes. Some positions may be filled through talent pools or priority hiring initiatives.
As a qualified registered nurse, you should monitor the DND Civilian Careers website regularly for competition announcements. The application process includes submitting your resume, cover letter, and supporting documentation demonstrating your nursing credentials, management experience, and understanding of the military health care environment. Selected candidates will typically participate in interviews and may be required to complete additional assessments.
Part-Time Options
Manager - Nursing positions are typically full-time, permanent positions due to the leadership and operational responsibilities involved. However, DND recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on the specific posting and operational requirements, some flexibility may be available in work schedules, such as compressed work weeks or flexible start and end times, subject to approval by your manager and organizational needs. Remote work options are limited due to the nature of health care management and the requirement to be present at military health care facilities, though some administrative tasks may be completed remotely.
DND also offers other work-life supports including access to Employee Assistance Programs, wellness initiatives, and leave entitlements including annual leave, sick leave, and family-related leave. If you require specific accommodations due to disability or other circumstances, DND is committed to working with you to find appropriate solutions. Discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process and with your hiring manager, as availability depends on your posting location and unit requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
