Associate Charge Nurse Manager - Emergency Department

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Orientation programme

Career development

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Waikato invites an experienced Registered Nurse to join the Emergency Department leadership team as Associate Charge Nurse Manager (ACNM). This fixed-term role spans 12 months and requires significant ED nursing experience and strong leadership in a fast-paced setting.

You will work with the Charge Nurse Manager and ACNMs to drive clinical excellence, staff development, patient flow, and culturally safe care, with emphasis on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and quality

Qualifications

• Minimum five years emergency department nursing experience.
• Current NZ Annual Practising Certificate.
• Postgraduate Certificate in a relevant field.
• Expert level on the PDRP (or working towards).
• Experience with change management, audits and quality initiatives.
• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in care.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership and operational oversight in a busy ED.
• Coordinate patient care delivery with multidisciplinary teams.
• Support staff development and clinical excellence.
• Lead change initiatives and quality improvement.
• Ensure safe, efficient patient flow in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Emergency nursing

Leadership

Clinical governance

Change management

Quality improvement

PDRP expert level

Education

NZ Annual Practising Certificate

Postgraduate Certificate

PDRP Expert Level

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora - Waikato – Hamilton, North Island

Part time, Contract, Casual/Temporary

2d ago , from Waikato District Health Board

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

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Emergency Department leadership team as an Associate Charge Nurse Manager (ACNM). This is a Fixed Term position for 12 months.

This is an exciting opportunity for a clinician with significant emergency nursing experience (minimum five years) who is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care, fostering a positive team culture, and demonstrating integrity, respect, and cultural humility in all aspects of their practice. You will also contribute to safe, efficient patient flow and support the delivery of high-quality care within a fast-paced and complex clinical environment.

In this senior clinical leadership role, you will work alongside the Charge Nurse Manager and fellow ACNMs to provide visible leadership and operational oversight within a busy and dynamic Emergency Department. You will play a key role in coordinating patient care delivery, supporting staff development, promoting clinical excellence, and ensuring the effective day-to-day operation of the department.

As an ACNM, you will be expected to demonstrate expert clinical practice, sound professional judgement, and a commitment to evidence-based care. You will either hold, or be actively working towards, Expert level on the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP). Equally important is your ability to inspire and support others, lead through change, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

You will be a collaborative and approachable leader who can build and maintain effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. A demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, achieving equitable health outcomes, and providing culturally safe care is essential.

If you have the leadership capability, clinical expertise, energy, and passion to help shape the future of emergency care while supporting and empowering those around you, we would love to hear from you.

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

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Waikato Emergency Department is one of New Zealands busiest tertiary emergency services, providing care to approximately 76,000 patients each year, including both adults and children. As a Level 1 Major Trauma Centre, we deliver specialist emergency and trauma care for the Waikato region and surrounding districts.

Our department features dedicated resuscitation facilities, a separate paediatric treatment area, and works closely with a wide range of inpatient and specialist services across Waikato Hospital. We are supported by a highly skilled multidisciplinary team committed to delivering safe, equitable, and patient-centred care.

As the population of the Waikato continues to grow, we are focused on innovation, service improvement, and strengthening patient flow to ensure timely access to emergency care. We are proud of our collaborative culture, strong focus on professional development, and commitment to achieving excellent outcomes for our patients, whānau, and communities

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

We are looking for someone who is passionate about providing excellent patient outcomes and building on strong clinical leadership skills, as well as:

• Robust level of experience of 5 years or more, working within a hospital emergency setting


• Holds a current NZ Annual Practising Certificate


• Holds or working towards post Graduate Certificate


• Holds or working towards expert Level on the PDRP


• Been involved in change management, clinical audits and quality initiatives


• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action

Benefits we can offer

• A supportive and comprehensive orientation programme


• Continuous support for your ongoing career development in leadership and management


• A strong supportive and collegial work environment

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.