Clinical Nurse Specialist, Patient At Risk Service

New Zealand Government; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive learning environment

Contribute to best practice in acute/d

Professional and supportive team

Commitment to equitable outcomes

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse for the Patient at Risk (PAR) role. This 24/7 hospital-wide service focuses on the early recognition, assessment and management of patients at risk of acute deterioration, working autonomously and with multidisciplinary teams to support escalation of care.

The role involves responding to MET calls, supporting ward teams, and contributing to education, quality improvement and system-wide excellence.

Qualifications

• Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
• Minimum of seven years’ post‑registration clinical experience, including recent experience in an acute and/or critical care environment (e.g. ICU, CCU or ED)
• Relevant postgraduate qualification, or currently working towards one
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team to support coordinated patient care
• Sound knowledge of early warning systems, recognition of clinical deterioration and escalation of care
• Experience providing patient‑ and whānau‑centred care, with a strong equity and cultural safety focus

Responsibilities

• Provide MET call response, assessment and management of acutely deteriorating patients
• Support ward teams with clinical decision-making and escalation of care
• Engage in education, quality improvement and initiatives to improve recognition and management of patient deterioration
• Demonstrate strong clinical leadership and role‑modelling
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely and appropriate care
• Support staff during real-time clinical situations and teach/coach colleagues

Skills

Advanced clinical assessment

Clinical leadership

Communication

Teaching / coaching

Autonomy

Prioritisation

Professional development

Data for quality improvement

Education

Registered Nurse with APC

Postgraduate qualification (acute/critical care) or pursuing one

Job description

Location

Palmerston North Hospital Temporary and permanent positions available of varying FTE

Benefits

• A supportive learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged
• Opportunity to contribute to best practice in acute and deteriorating patient care
• A professional and supportive team environment
• A strong commitment to equitable outcomes

About the Role

The Patient at Risk (PAR) role is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Nurse who enjoys acute care, autonomous practice and clinical leadership. PAR provides a 24/7 hospital-wide service supporting the early recognition, assessment and management of patients at risk of acute deterioration. Working autonomously and alongside multidisciplinary teams, PAR nurses respond to MET calls, assess and support deteriorating patients, and support ward teams with clinical decision‑making and escalation of care. The role also contributes to education, quality improvement and initiatives aimed at improving recognition and management of patient deterioration. This role would suit an experienced nurse with a strong acute or critical care background who is confident in clinical assessment and decision‑making, enjoys supporting others, and can remain calm and effective in complex and rapidly evolving situations. This role offers both professional challenge and meaningful impact, making it a fulfilling next step for senior nurses looking to shape best practice in the care of deteriorating patients while contributing to system‑wide excellence. As a PAR nurse, you’ll join a supportive and developing service providing 24/7 hospital‑wide coverage.

We currently have temporary and permanent positions available at varying FTE, working rostered and rotating shifts including nights.

About the Team/Service

Employing over 2500 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. MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain‑biking, great schools and tertiary institutions. With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you’ll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life. It’s a family‑friendly place that’s easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work‑life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

About You

Essential qualifications / experience

• Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
• Minimum of seven years’ post‑registration clinical experience, including recent experience in an acute and/or critical care environment (e.g. ICU, CCU or ED)
• Relevant postgraduate qualification, or currently working towards one
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team to support coordinated patient care
• Sound knowledge of early warning systems, recognition of clinical deterioration and escalation of care
• Experience providing patient‑ and whānau‑centred care, with a strong equity and cultural safety focus

Professional skills

• Advanced clinical assessment and decision‑making skills
• Strong clinical leadership and role‑modelling capabilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines
• Ability to teach, coach and support staff during real‑time clinical situations
• Ability to work autonomously and use initiative when managing complex and evolving clinical situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage competing clinical demands
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence‑based practice
• Confidence using clinical data to inform practice and quality improvement

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.