Location: Wairarapa Hospital

Service: Practice Development Unit (PDU)

Contract: Full time Permanent

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

The Associate Chief Nurse reports to the Chief Nurse and provides strategic and professional nursing leadership for the Practice Development Unit (PDU).

This role is responsible for advancing nursing practice through education, workforce development, and the strengthening of clinical capability across Wairarapa Hospital and community nursing. Working in partnership with clinical, operational, and professional leaders, you will ensure nursing practice is evidence-based, consistent, and aligned with organisational priorities and clinical governance expectations.

You will play a key role in shaping nursing workforce development, supporting practice standards, and embedding a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

This position will work 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE) working Monday - Friday

About the Team

The Chief Nurse with the Practice Development Unit (PDU) leads nursing education, professional development, and practice improvement across Wairarapa District including community and hospital services.

The Team supports:

• Orientation and ongoing clinical education
• Competency development and maintenance
• Practice standards and scope of practice
• Quality improvement and evidence-based care

As a rural hospital, Wairarapa requires a flexible, generalist-capable workforce. The PDU plays a critical role in enabling nurses to work safely across services while maintaining high standards of care.

Learn more about living in the Wairarapa region click here Wairarapa

About you

You are a senior nurse leader with a passion for developing others and strengthening nursing practice across a service.

You will bring:

• Current annual practising certificate with Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aotearoa - Nursing Council of New Zealand
• Significant experience in nursing leadership, education, or practice development
• Strong understanding of clinical governance and quality improvement
• Experience in workforce development, education frameworks, and competency systems
• Ability to influence across services and work in partnership with operational leaders
• Commitment to equity and improving outcomes for Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi

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 now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 11.59pm Thursday 28^th May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Leeann.Campbell@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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