Nurse Educator - Professional Development Unit

CGR Services; Auckland; On-site; NZD 72,000 - 108,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Waikato Hospital seeks a Nurse Educator in the Mental Health and Addictions portfolio. This 0.8 FTE fixed-term role (until May 2027) combines clinical expertise with educational leadership to support nurses and allied health staff across inpatient and community services.

You will identify learning needs, embed culturally safe practice, mentor students, and drive equity-focused education with a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Current annual practice certificate with NZNC.
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a demonstrated commitment to improving Māori health outcomes.
• At least four years post-registration experience in mental health and addictions.
• Proven experience facilitating and assessing learning in clinical environments.
• Expert or Proficient level on the PDRP (Professional Development and Recognition Programme).
• Relevant adult teaching qualification (e.g., preceptorship, adult education).
• Evidence of successful postgraduate study.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Current New Zealand driver's licence.
• Experience educating both nursing and allied health staff is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify and respond to workforce learning needs.
• Embed culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equity-driven care.
• Support undergraduate students and new graduate nurses.
• Facilitate learning in both urban and rural settings across the Waikato District.
• Advocate for person- and whānau-centred care through recovery-oriented partnerships.
• Contribute to service improvements that reflect whaiora and whānau voices.
• Work with a team of nurse educators and clinical leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate education initiatives.

Skills

Nurse educator

Teaching & mentorship

Interprofessional collaboration

Education

Postgraduate study

Job description

About the Role

Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
Fixed term position to May 2027
Part time (0.8 FTE - 64 hours / fortnight)
Lead with purpose. Inspire excellence. Shape the future of mental health nursing. 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.

Are you passionate about educating and upskilling nurses? Do you aspire to make a leadership contribution that influences workforce development and enhances health outcomes for tangata whaiora and their whānau? If so, we invite you to join the Professional Development Unit (PDU) at Waikato Hospital as a Nurse Educator within the Mental Health and Addictions portfolio. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine educational leadership with clinical expertise, supporting nurses and allied health professionals across inpatient and community mental health and addiction services.

• Identifying and responding to workforce learning needs.
• Embedding culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equity-driven care.
• Supporting undergraduate students and new graduate nurses.
• Facilitating learning in both urban and rural settings across the Waikato District.
• Advocating for person- and whānau-centred care through recovery-oriented partnerships.
• Contributing to service improvements that reflect whaiora and whānau voices.

You will work in partnership with a team of experienced nurse educators and clinical leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate education initiatives, while also contributing to organisation-wide nursing development.

About the Team / Service

• A supportive and inclusive team environment that values collaboration and innovation
• Mentorship, professional supervision, and opportunities for leadership development
• Access to postgraduate study and continuing professional development
• Involvement in regional and national mental health education initiatives
• Workplace that embraces te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori
• Opportunity to directly influence care experiences and health outcomes for whaiora through education that is equity-focused

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.

About You

• Current annual practice certificate with NZNC
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a demonstrated commitment to improving Māori health outcomes
• At least four years post-registration experience in mental health and addictions
• Proven experience facilitating and assessing learning in clinical environments
• Expert or Proficient level on the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP)
• Relevant adult teaching qualification (e.g., preceptorship, adult education)
• Evidence of successful postgraduate study
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Current New Zealand drivers licence
• Experience educating both nursing and allied health staff is highly desirable

We are looking for a nurse who brings both clinical expertise in mental health and a passion for teaching.

Working for Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. We value a workforce that is diverse and inclusive, and we encourage applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.