Registered Nurse - START

Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team (START)
Permanent, 80 hours per fortnight - rostered shifts (including on call) Monday to Friday

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 require a dynamic Registered Nurse to be responsible for the coordination, assessment, planning, and delegation of patient care, using goal setting and rehabilitation principles. Although this position is based in Thames, the RN may travel to the rural towns within the Waikato DHB area. Fleet vehicle provided. 

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO Collective agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

START (Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team) is an Older Persons and Rehabilitation led programme which provides and promotes rehabilitation of patients within their home environment.

START aims to reduce the pressure on hospital beds, through avoiding hospital admissions, earlier discharge, preventing readmissions and improving the quality of care for this group of patients.

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.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

The successful applicant will have:

• experience in care of the older person, preferably within the community
• passion for rehabilitation in the community setting
•  the ability to lead and coordinate a team
•  responsibility for the delegation and direction to health care assistants
• the desire to work within a strong interdisciplinary team
• excellent communication and advocacy skills
• the ability to be on call after hours as part of the roster
• minimum of 5 years nursing experience
•  full NZ drivers licence
• a current NZ annual practicing certificate

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 17 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shivani Kulkarni at Shivani.Kulkarni@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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