Nurse Educator - Professional Development Unit

New Zealand Government; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato Hospital is seeking a Nurse Educator to lead and shape education for mental health nursing within the Professional Development Unit. This fixed-term role supports nursing education across inpatient and community services.

The ideal candidate has NZNC certification, postgraduate study, and a strong teaching background to develop and evaluate learning initiatives that improve whaiora outcomes.

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 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 license.
• Experience educating both nursing and allied health staff is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate education initiatives with nurse educators and clinical leaders.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Education

NZNC Annual Practising Certificate

Postgraduate study

Adult teaching qualification

Job description

Waikato Hospital, HamiltonFixed term position to May 2027Part 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.

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Nurse Educators are part of the clinical nursing leadership group and play an instrumental role in supporting the implementation of the Waiora Waikato framework. 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

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

• 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 license
• Experience educating both nursing and allied health staff is highly desirable

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.