Registered Nurse - Post Anaesthetic Care Unit at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent and Fixed Term roles available
• Part time and full time: 64 to 80 hours per fortnight
• Fantastic opportunity to work across our Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) and Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic

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

In PACU, you will be caring for patients recovering from anaesthesia from a wide variety of specialities including neurosurgery, cardiothoracic, paediatrics, general surgery and more. While collaboration within the multi-disciplinary team is essential, PACU also requires a significant level of autonomy.

We offer you a comprehensive orientation programme to PACU and you will be supported for professional development, as well as a highly supportive team committed to delivering quality care to patients.

You will also have:

• the benefit of a supportive multi-disciplinary team, as well as the opportunity to work autonomously, with a wide range of specialties in a fast-paced environment
• a rewarding and stimulating career that encompasses a diverse work environment
• the chance to gain a significant range of desirable skills and experience.

Click here to view the position description.

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO Nursing and Midwifery MECA agreement. Additional benefits include KiwiSaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

About the Team/Service

Our Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) is a critical care environment which receives patients from every surgical speciality including cardiothoracic, general surgical, vascular, obstetric, neurosurgery, paediatrics and more. PACU provides care for, at full capacity, 80 to 100 patients every weekday so you will be working in a fast-paced, busy environment. PACU is a 24-hour service, which require you to fulfil a rotating roster including weekends and on call roster.

Both services play an integral role throughout the patient anaesthetic and surgical journey, working closely within the multi-disciplinary team to co-ordinate care.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

Skills and experience youll need to be considered for the role:

• Prior experience in PACU nursing, critical care or acute surgical nursing is essential.
• A minimum of two years post registration experience in an acute care setting in a New Zealand tertiary hospital.
• Be flexible in your work hours with varied start times to meet the 24 hour service, including the participation in an on-call roster.
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Have the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Have excellent verbal and written communication and computer literacy skills
• Have legal right to work in New Zealand, either as a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or as a holder of an Australian passport or a valid work visa/permit.
• Have an Annual Practicing Certificate held with the Nursing Council of New Zealand

Working at 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.  

How to Apply

To apply please click Apply online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 27^th September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kendra Corey at Kendra.Corey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.