Clinical Nurse Lead

Frontline Recruitment; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Frontline Recruitment is seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse Lead to join an aged care facility in Waikato. The role provides clinical leadership, oversight of care delivery, and mentorship to nursing staff, ensuring safe, high-quality, person-centred care.

You will drive best practice and contribute to continuous quality improvement within the facility. The successful candidate will be a NZ Registered Nurse with APC, have leadership experience in aged care or similar settings, and be

Qualifications

• NZ Registered Nurse with APC and Nursing Council registration.
• Proven clinical leadership in aged care or similar setting.
• Knowledge of NZ health standards and aged care legislation.
• Strong communication and resident-focused mindset.
• Experience with InterRAI and medication management is valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and day-to-day oversight of nursing staff across the facility.
• Lead reassessment of treatment and care plans including InterRAI.
• Oversee medication management and timely investigation of any errors.
• Lead incident reporting and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor RNs, ENs, HCAs including CAP nurses and new graduates.
• Work with Care Home Manager on audits and quality initiatives.
• Build relationships with GPs and allied health providers for coordinated care.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Team mentoring

Communication skills

Decision making

Education

NZ Registered Nurse with APC

Tools

InterRAI

Medication management systems

Incident reporting

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Clinical Nurse Lead to join a dedicated nursing team at an aged care facility in the Waikato.
This is an exciting full-time leadership opportunity to work in a supportive environment where clinical excellence, resident wellbeing, and team development are highly valued.

As the Clinical Nurse Lead, you will provide clinical leadership and oversight of care delivery, ensuring residents receive safe, high-quality, person‑centred care. You will support and mentor the clinical team, promote best practice, and contribute to continuous quality improvement across the facility.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive salary, reflective of experience and qualifications.
• A supportive, close‑knit team and a manageable caseload in a purpose-built facility.
• Opportunity to lead and influence clinical excellence within the facility
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• A workplace culture that values honesty, teamwork, and respect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide clinical leadership and day-to-day oversight of nursing and care staff across the facility.
• Lead reassessment of treatment and care plans, including InterRAI and long-term care planning.
• Oversee medication management, ensuring safe administration practices and timely investigation of any errors.
• Lead incident reporting and investigation and drive continuous improvement.
• Support and mentor Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, and Healthcare Assistants, including oversight of CAP nurses and new graduates.
• Work alongside the Care Home Manager on the internal complaints process, audits, and quality and safety initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with contracted GPs, Nurse Practitioners, and allied health providers to ensure timely, well-coordinated care.

Skills and Experience:

• Current New Zealand Registered Nurse with a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC) and registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
• Proven clinical leadership experience in aged residential care, hospital-level care, or a similar setting.
• Sound knowledge of Ng'ā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard, the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights, and relevant aged care legislation.
• Confident, calm decision-maker with strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to resident dignity and wellbeing.
• Experience with InterRAI, medication management systems, and incident/SAC reporting is highly regarded.

Reference: 1248865