Clinical Nurse Specialist - Patient at Risk

• Clinical Nurse Specialist Patient at Risk: New Plymouth Hospital, Permanent Part time 0.9FTE

Looking for a senior clinical leadership role supporting the recognition and management of deteriorating patients

Join a well-established Patient at Risk service working collaboratively across the hospital

An opportunity to use your advanced assessment, critical thinking and clinical expertise to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable patients

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

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior Registered Nurse to join our Patient at Risk (PAR) Service as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The Patient at Risk Service plays a key role in the early recognition, assessment and management of patients who are deteriorating or at risk of deterioration, with a strong focus on supporting some of our most vulnerable patients.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will use advanced clinical assessment, critical thinking and communication skills to support safe, timely and appropriate escalation of care. Working collaboratively with nursing, medical and allied health teams, you will provide expert clinical assessment, advice and support to patients and colleagues across the organisation.

You will also contribute to the ongoing development of clinical practice through education, coaching and role modelling, helping staff build confidence and capability in recognising and responding to patient deterioration.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established service and work autonomously within a supportive multidisciplinary environment, while making a meaningful contribution to patient safety and outcomes across New Plymouth and Hāwera hospitals.

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About the Team/Service/ Location

The Patient at Risk Service is a well-established senior nursing service providing specialist assessment and clinical support for patients who are deteriorating or at increased risk of deterioration.

The team works closely with ward nursing teams, medical staff, critical care and other clinical services, providing expert assessment, clinical guidance and support with escalation of care. The service also has an important role in supporting education, clinical development and continuous improvement in the recognition and management of patient deterioration.

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About you

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate:

Excellent communication, problem solving and assessment skills

A minimum of 5 years acute clinical experience in a NZ hospital setting within critical care environment 

Experience in management of the undifferentiated patient

Able to work in an MDT and navigate challenging situations

Ability to work in a complex changing environment and be able to manage multiple competing priorities

Motivation and self-direction

Evidence of on-going professional development including Postgraduate qualifications (Critical Care or Emergency)

Current PDRP portfolio, Expert Level

Current NZ Annual Practising Certificate

  Proficiency with CORE advanced and paediatric life support training applied to clinical practise is essential. 

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.

How to Apply

To apply please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by Thursday 22 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Heather Mackenzie at: Heather.Mackenzie@tdhb.org.nz

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.