Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology
- Waikato Hospital
- Permanent - Full Time Position
- Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology (Head and Neck Tumour Stream)
- We are seeking a motivated, compassionate and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist to make a meaningful impact in the care of people affected by head and neck cancers across Waikato.
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 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) aligned with the head and neck tumour stream you will bring advanced nursing knowledge, leadership, and compassion to this highly specialised area of care.
- You will report to the Nurse Manager – Cancer and Chronic Conditions and work alongside Medical Consultants, Surgeons, Pathologists, and other specialist consultants. Together you will deliver coordinated, patient-centred oncology care that supports patients and whanau through every stage of their cancer journey.
- Your role will span the cancer continuum, from diagnosis and treatment through to follow-up, survivorship and where needed, palliative care.
- The successful candidate will support the implementation of local and national initiatives, and develop strong relationships within Health NZ, Te Whatu Ora, Waikato
Key Responsibilities of the role
- Run nurse-led assessment and review clinics, promoting patient-centred decision making
- Provide education, guidance, and holistic support to patients and whānau throughout treatment
- Collaborate closely with surgeons and the wider multidisciplinary team during First Specialist Appointment (FSA) clinics
- Support and manage patients on systemic anticancer therapies, ensuring safety, continuity, and optimal outcomes
- Participate in departmental meetings, service development, and multidisciplinary meetings (MDMs) to support treatment planning and coordination
- Monitor and streamline patient pathways to ensure care aligns with Faster Cancer Treatment (FCT) targets, working alongside the Regional Cancer Coordinator and FCT tracking team
- Support quality improvement and research initiatives that enhance outcomes for patients within the head and neck tumour stream
- Engage in ongoing professional development and leadership activities to advance oncology nursing practice
Click here to view the position description.
About the Service
Oncology CNSs are part of the Cancer and Chronic Conditions directorate. You will be part of a forward-thinking oncology service that values innovation, collaboration, and compassion. You will play a vital role in supporting Waikato to achieve its Faster Cancer Treatment (FCT) targets, helping ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care and that every step of the cancer pathway is smooth and well-coordinated.
About you
- Have a current New Zealand Annual Practicing Certificate
- Have a minimum of 2 years NZ hospital experience
- Have a minimum of post graduate certificate
- Have Oncology and/or surgical knowledge and experience
- Proficiency in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
- A full clean NZ driver’s licence
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 13 November 2025. 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.