Charge Nurse Manager - Post Anaesthetic Care Unit

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent, Full-Time – 40 hours per week
• Are you a dynamic, compassionate, and experienced nursing leader looking to make a lasting impact?
• An exciting permanent opportunity has become available for a Charge Nurse Manager to lead our dedicated team in the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) at Waikato Hospital.

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

Our PACU provides specialist care to patients recovering from local, regional, and general anaesthesia. This diverse patient group requires continuous assessment and the highest level of clinical expertise. The PACU is a fast-paced and stimulating environment where no two days are the same—perfect for a nurse leader who thrives on challenge, variety, and teamwork.

As the Charge Nurse Manager, you will provide both clinical and professional leadership to a skilled multidisciplinary team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional care and a safe, supportive environment for patients and staff alike. You will champion quality improvement, drive innovation, and play a key role in shaping the future of PACU services at Waikato Hospital.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage systems, processes, and resources to ensure efficient, effective, and patient-centred care delivery.
• Provide visible and inspiring clinical leadership across the multidisciplinary team.
• Foster excellence in nursing practice by developing, supporting, and mentoring team members.
• Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and the achievement of organisational goals.
• Champion a culture of safety, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Support recruitment, retention, and performance management in collaboration with Associate Charge Nurse Managers (ACNMs).

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The PACU is an essential part of the Theatre and Anaesthesia Department at Waikato Hospital, serving 23 Operating Theatres and caring for 80–100 patients daily across all surgical specialties—General Surgery, Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Urology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Plastics, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Maxillofacial, and more.

On weekends, the PACU continues to provide expert care for acute and emergency surgical cases, offering an environment rich in learning and collaboration.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

 For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

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

You are an experienced senior nurse with a passion for leadership and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of perioperative care. You bring sound clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead through collaboration and innovation.

• A minimum of 5 years’ continuous clinical expertise in PACU or Critical Care within a tertiary hospital setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience in implementing and embedding change in clinical practice.
• Expertise in people management, including performance development and conflict resolution.
• A Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing or Leadership (minimum qualification).

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 12 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Name of Recruiter at Komal.Kaur@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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