Clinical Nurse Specialist - Mental Health Inpatient Unit

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Mental Health & Addictions Whare Whakaue

Rotorua Hospital

Permanent, Full-time, rostered over 7 days – 40 hours per week

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.

An exciting opportunity has become available to for an experienced Mental Health Registered Nurse with acute mental health experience to join our multi-disciplinary team at Whare Whakaue in Rotorua Hospital. If you are looking to join a passionate team who places great value on putting people first, embedding Te Ao Māori in every-day practice, leading with kindness and achieving excellence together; then this may be the opportunity for you.

This position sits within an experienced, dynamic, supportive, multi-disciplinary team. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with service users and their family/whanau, role modelling best practise. This role will provide clinical leadership and support changes to our service delivery following migration to our new build

Mō te tūranga / About the role

As a CNS, you will contribute to nursing knowledge and skills in assessment of health needs, planning and delivery of nursing care, ensuring this aligns with Te Ara Tauwhirotanga (Model of Care for Mental Health and Addiction Services) & the Mental Health & Addiction (MH&A) Nursing Strategy principles. Within the acute inpatient care setting, the focus is to work alongside tāngata whai ora and whānau to achieve maximum health potential that is meaningful to them.

Aspects of the role is an:

• ability to demonstrate/role model safe, quality nursing practise that is evidence based and reflects best practise.
• ability to lead and work on Quality Improvement Projects/Initiatives to ensure better outcomes for clients.
• ability to provide advanced assessment and support staff managing complex care needs in an acute inpatient setting.
• ability to undertake audits to identify gaps and improve practice
• ability to engage in contemporary practice and quality initiatives for improved outcomes
• with an equity focus, ability to achieve improved outcomes for Māori accessing care

For more information on living and working in Rotorua click here

About you

To succeed in this exciting new role, you will need to:

• Be a Senior Registered Nurse with a valid Annual Practicing Certificate 
• At least 5 years’ experience in an Acute Mental Health setting (preferably in-patient)
• Hold relevant Master’s Degree in mental health or addictions or can clearly demonstrate evidence of working towards post graduate qualifications
• Have the ability to successfully engage and empathise with families/whānau in a positive manner
• Demonstrate knowledge and application of NZ health strategies.

Ko wai mātou / Who we are 

We are privileged to work to a collaborative model of care, Te Ara Tauwhirotanga, the product of extensive co-design with over 400 participants from the Lakes community. The three central Pou (Pillars) of the model guides service improvement:

Tangata (People) - We are a world first in implementing Feedback informed treatment (FIT) on an in-patient unit and we are in the process of rolling this out to all services. This well researched and evidenced based approach is proven in creating a strong therapeutic alliance, is person-centred and Whānau-inclusive to bring hope and recovery, which means greater job satisfaction. So come and join us!

Tikanga (Values) - we are committed to embracing Te Ao Māori in all levels of service delivery including access to te reo Māori classes. You fully support and encourage training opportunities to assist you in expanding the range of Te Ao Māori treatment modalities for healing and recovery. We critically reflect on our approach to ensure we honour the articles and Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Taiao (Environment) - we are deliberate about service delivery to improve outcomes for Māori. We are on track to move into our new fit-for-purpose building in 2026. The Lakes area is the perfect playground for family, adventure sports and relaxation. 

Click here for Position Description

Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)

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 before end of posting date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact vacancy@lakesdhb.govt.nz

The selection process starts from the date of advertising. Due to the fast-paced nature of our roles, the vacancy close date may be subject to change.