Associate Charge Nurse - Icu

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Encouraging learning environment

Supportive culture and team setting

Fulfilling and challenging work with a

Tailored wellness programmes

Job summary

The Associate Charge Nurse (ACN) in Palmerston North Hospital delivers clinical, operational and professional leadership within ICU and HDU, ensuring safe, patient-centred care for critically ill patients while fostering a collaborative team.

Working with the Charge Nurse Manager, the ACN coordinates daily operations, staffing and patient flow, promotes evidence-based practice and supports quality improvement, governance activities and staff development.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years working as an RN in a critical care area.
• Hold a current proficient level portfolio.
• Strong clinical assessment and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff development experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical, operational and professional leadership within ICU/HDU.
• Coordinate daily unit operations, staffing and patient flow.
• Promote evidence-based practice and support quality improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and develop nursing staff; contribute to clinical governance.

Skills

Critical care RN

Portfolio proficiency

Assessment skills

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Associate Charge Nurse ICU / HDU Palmerston North Hospital, Permanent Part-time

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged
• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

About the Role

The Associate Charge Nurse (ACN) provides clinical, operational, and professional leadership within the Intensive Care (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU). The role supports the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care for critically ill and high-acuity patients while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.

Working in partnership with the Charge Nurse Manager, the ACN coordinates daily unit operations, manages staffing and patient flow, promotes evidence-based practice, and supports quality improvement initiatives. The ACN serves as an expert clinical resource, mentors and develops nursing staff, and contributes to clinical governance activities to ensure excellence in patient outcomes and service delivery. This role is pivotal in maintaining a highly skilled workforce and ensuring the delivery of exceptional critical care services for patients and their whānau.

This is an exciting opportunity at a time when we will have significant growth and transformation as we are moving into a new 10 bed ICU / HDU in 2027. A unique opportunity to help shape the culture, workflows and future direction of the service.

About you

• At least 3 years working as an RN in a critical care area
• Hold a current proficient level portfolio
• Strong clinical assessment, decision-making, and organisational abilities
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience supporting and developing staff.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills

About the Team / Service

Our ICU / HDU is a supportive and skilled critical care team dedicated to delivering exceptional care to some of our hospital's most unwell patients. We value respectful communication, teamwork, staff development and wellbeing. Together, we strive for excellent patient outcomes and a positive experience for patients', whanau and staff.

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua – MidCentral is a 350-bed hospital in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatū, a city in the Lower North Island of New Zealand. Palmerston North Hospital is a secondary hospital and offers most medical and surgical specialties with the exception of Cardiothoracic, Plastic and Neurosurgery. The hospital serves a local population of 180,000 but is the base for a regional head and neck oncology service which has responsibility for a population of 550,000 and draws patients from Whanganui, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay. Employing over 2,500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College. Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice - beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. No traffic, an easy commute to work and a strong community feel, help achieve true work‑life balance. Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight. For more information on living and working in the Manawatū : Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business

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.