Rural Nurse Specialist | West Coast at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast, South Westland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• West Coast - Whataroa
• Permanent part time position working 28 hours per week

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. 

About the Role

As a Rural Nurse Specialist (RNS), you will deliver holistic, culturally appropriate, and comprehensive care to a geographically defined population - including both residents and visitors to the Whataroa community. This advanced nursing role spans general practice, district nursing, population health, emergency (PRIME) care, and palliative services.

You will:

• Work autonomously and as part of an interdisciplinary team in rural clinics.
• Provide after-hours care on a rostered on-call basis.
• Offer care that prioritises the needs of Māori as tangata whenua and supports improved equity in health outcomes.
• Respond to community health needs including home visits, well child checks, and support for local schools.
• Act as a clinical leader, mentor, and role model within the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver advanced primary and community nursing care using evidence-based practice.
• Coordinate care across providers and settings to ensure timely, patient-centred service.
• Undertake health promotion activities, immunisations, and Tamariki Ora well child services.
• Lead or contribute to professional development, orientation, and clinical quality initiatives.
• Provide culturally safe care in partnership with Māori Health teams and iwi.
• Respond to PRIME emergencies, including triage and stabilisation.

What You'll Bring

Essential:

• NZ Registered Nurse with a current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Minimum 5 years' experience, including in Emergency, Primary, and/or Community settings.
• PRIME training completed or willingness to complete.
• Independent Vaccinator or willingness to attain certification.
• Endorsement or progression toward RN Prescribing.
• Full, clean driver's licence.

Desirable:

• Current PDRP portfolio.
• Experience with Indici.
• Experience with community consultation and rural project delivery.
• Knowledge of relevant NZ health legislation, frameworks, and strategies (e.g. He Korowai Oranga, NZ Health Strategy 2023).

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

Health NZ West Coast is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is unmatched for the scale, diversity, and accessibility of its natural attractions, including rugged coastline, sandy beaches, rainforests, and some of the highest mountain peaks in the country. The region boasts robust tourism and primary production industries, which provide the backbone of the local economy. The town of Whataora is Southern to Te Tai o Poutini West Coast and is located alongside the historically rich and picturesque Whataroa river.

Health NZ West Coast are proud of how we do things. We have a way of working that we consider unique. It's about trying new things, listening to ideas from wherever they come from and working together as one. We are passionate about attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented people - to become part of our team.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click 'apply now.' All applications must be submitted through our online careers. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.