Associate Clinical Nurse Manager - Surgical Assessment and Planning Unit
- Associate Clinical Nurse Manager - Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital
- Permanent, Full-Time - 80 hours per fortnight (1FTE)
- Be part of establishing a brand - new surgical service and help shape how care is delivered from day one.
- This is a unique leadership opportunity to help build and embed a new Surgical Assessment & Planning Unit at Hawke’s Bay Hospital. You will play a key role in setting up workflows, developing team culture, and creating a service that delivers efficient, patient centred surgical care from the outset.
- If you enjoy leading change, developing teams and improving patient flow across surgical services, this role offers scope, influence and professional challenge.
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
As the Associate Clinical Nurse Manager (ACNM) for the Surgical Assessment & Planning Unit (SAPU), you will support the Clinical Nurse Manager with operational management, clinical leadership and service development for this newly established unit.
SAPU is a new 28‑bed short‑stay surgical ward, including six dedicated assessment beds for acute surgical patients. The unit has been designed to improve surgical patient flow, support early assessment and decision‑making, and reduce pressure on inpatient beds and ED.
For more information on our new inpatient unit click here
You’ll provide day‑to‑day clinical leadership, support safe and effective patient flow, liaise closely with ED and surgical teams, support theatre scheduling awareness, and attend relevant bed management and escalation forums. You will also coach and support staff, contribute to recruitment and workforce development, and help embed strong quality, safety and equity‑focused practices as the unit becomes operational.
This is an opportunity to help establish innovative models of care, build an engaged multidisciplinary team, and support achievement of key organisational targets.
Please click here to view the position description
About the Team/Service/ Location
The Surgical Assessment & Planning Unit (SAPU) is a newly established service at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier Memorial Hospital. You will work closely with surgical services, ED, inpatient wards, theatre teams, allied health and bed management to deliver timely, coordinated surgical care.
As a foundation member of the SAPU leadership team, you’ll help shape team culture, operational processes and service identity.
For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE
About you
- You are an experienced surgical nurse leader who thrives in change and enjoys developing services and people. You will have:
- Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a valid Annual Practising Certificate.
- 3 to 5 years’ recent clinical experience in surgical care.
- Proven leadership skills with experience coaching and supporting staff.
- Strong understanding of patient flow, acuity management and safe staffing.
- Experience supporting quality improvement, audit and service development.
- Understanding of HR processes, roster management and performance management.
- A current PDRP portfolio at proficient or expert level.
- Confidence collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and culturally safe care.
Desired:
- Postgraduate qualification (PGDip preferred) or active study pathway.
- Knowledge of broader health sector influences and system pressures.
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 8th May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Janine Kereama । Janine.Kereama@hbdhb.govt.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.
