Registered Nurse - Plastics OPD

New Zealand Government Joba; Lower Hutt; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora's Plastic Surgery Outpatients at Hutt Hospital invites applications for a nursing role. You will run a nurse-led dressing clinic, assist in local anaesthetic procedures, and support surgeons across regional clinics.

NZ registration and 2 years post‑grad surgical experience are essential. You will work in a small, supportive team committed to safe, whānau‑centred care.

Qualifications

• Current NZ registration and annual practicing certificate.
• 2 years post grad surgical experience.
• Experience in Plastics Surgery and wound management, or general surgery/theatre desirable.
• Ability to provide day-to-day nursing support to Consultants, Registrars, clinics and outpatient services, with excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Independent operation of a nurse-led dressing clinic.
• Clinical assistance within the Procedure Suite for local anaesthetic plastic surgical procedures.
• Prepare patients for surgery, monitor and support them throughout the process.
• Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure safe, efficient patient care.

Skills

Nursing

Surgical nursing

Education

NZ Registration & Practising Certificate

Job description

Location: Hutt HospitalContract: Permanent. Either 1 FTE, or options for 2 part-time positions can be considered. Rostered and RotatingHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

The Plastics Surgery Outpatients department based at Hutt Hospital, provides a vital regional service across Wellington, Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui, Blenheim, and Nelson. In this diverse and dynamic clinical environment, the plastic surgery outpatient nurse plays a pivotal role in supporting clinicians and maintaining an effective practice environment. Responsibilities centre on the seamless organization, preparation, and execution of various clinics. This includes independently running a nurse-led dressing clinic, where you will critically assess complex wounds and apply appropriate dressings to promote optimal healing.Beyond clinic management, the role involves clinical assistance within the Procedure Suite for local anaesthetic plastic surgical procedures. In this capacity, you will be responsible for preparing patients for surgery, monitoring and supporting them throughout the process, and directly assisting the surgeon during operations. By collaborating closely with the wider surgical team, you will ensure a safe, efficient, and compassionate environment that delivers excellent patient care and drives the best possible clinical outcomes.

About the Team/Service/Location

You will be joining a small, supportive team in the Plastic Surgical Outpatients department led by the Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM). This dedicated team consists of five experienced nurses and a healthcare assistant who work autonomously while collaborating closely to ensure safe care. The department operates alongside medical and allied health teams, medical secretaries, receptionists, and various nurse specialists who focus on different aspects of the Plastic Surgical service. The department's reach is extensive, running a daily dressing clinic as well as general and specialty clinics both on-site and across regional areas spanning from Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North down to Nelson and Marlborough.In addition, you will work alongside the Procedure Suite at Hutt Hospital, a rapidly growing, multi-specialty ambulatory service. This unit handles minor procedures under local and regional anaesthesia, as well as sedation for dental procedures, across specialties like Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dermatology, and Regional Plastic Surgery. The facility features two consultation rooms, five surgical procedure rooms, and an observation area. Here, you will collaborate with a core team of an Associate Clinical Nurse Manager, seven nurses, two healthcare assistants, and administrative staff, all backed by visiting specialty nurses. It is a fun, dynamic, and welcoming environment looking for a like‑minded professional to join them.

About you

Qualifications, skills and experience include

• Current NZ registration and annual practicing certificate
• 2 years post grad surgical experience
• Experience in Plastics Surgery and wound management/or general surgery/theatre desirable
• The ability to provide day to day nursing support to Consultants, Registrars, clinics and outpatient services, along with excellent communication is essential

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is 'the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Heather Leslie - [e-mail]

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement.