Clinical Nurse Specialist - Inpatient Pain Service

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, part-time (0.8 FTE – 64 hours/fortnight)
• Are you an experienced nursing professional ready to step into a specialist role where your expertise, leadership, and passion for improving patient outcomes truly make an impact?

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 a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Inpatient Pain Service, you will provide advanced clinical expertise and specialist pain management care to a defined inpatient population. Your role will include:

• Delivering high‑level clinical care across a range of inpatient settings, including potential nurse‑led clinics.
• Supporting and guiding nursing and multidisciplinary colleagues in complex or rapidly changing clinical situations related to acute and complex pain.
• Leading the development of pathways, protocols, and guidelines to enhance patient safety and quality of pain management.
• Using research, audit, and best‑practice evidence to influence clinical practice and service development.
• Providing education, coaching, and support to nursing staff to strengthen capability and confidence in pain assessment and management.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys clinical leadership, and is passionate about improving pain outcomes for patients and whānau.

Click here to view the position description.

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

Essential requirements:

• Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current practising certificate
• Significant clinical experience, including at least two years in a relevant speciality
• Expert level on the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP) or working toward Senior Nurses PDRP
• Demonstrated experience in research, teaching, innovation, and implementing improvements in clinical practice
• Strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to equitable health outcomes
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across teams
• Strong drive for delivering high‑quality care and taking personal responsibility for outcomes

Desirable:

• Post‑graduate diploma in a relevant speciality area (completed or in progress).

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 Wednesday, 24 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kendra Corey at Kendra.Corey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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