Nurse Educator - Professional Development Unit: Mental Health & Addictions

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton

• Mental Health and Addictions

• Permanent Full-Time Position

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.

Lead with purpose. Inspire excellence. Shape the future of mental health nursing.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about educating and upskilling nurses?

Do you aspire to make a leadership contribution that influences workforce development and enhances health outcomes for tangata whaiora and their whānau?

If so, we invite you to join the Professional Development Unit (PDU) at Waikato Hospital as a Nurse Educator within the Mental Health and Addictions portfolio.

We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine educational leadership with clinical expertise, supporting nurses and allied health professionals across inpatient and community mental health and addiction services.

About the Role

As a Nurse Educator, you will play a pivotal role in the professional development of nurses and mental health assistants working in Mental Health and Addictions across the Waikato District as well as building and strengthening professional partnerships within Te Manawa Taki region.

Nurse Educators are part of the clinical nursing leadership group and play an instrumental role in supporting the implementation of the Waiora Waikato framework.

This position combines educational leadership with clinical expertise, focusing on:

• Identifying and responding to workforce learning needs.

• Embedding culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equity-driven care.

• Supporting undergraduate students and new graduate nurses.

• Facilitating learning in both urban and rural settings across the Waikato District.

• Advocating for person- and whānau-centred care through recovery-oriented partnerships.

• Contributing to service improvements that reflect whaiora and whānau voices.

You will work in partnership with a team of experienced nurse educators and clinical leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate education initiatives, while also contributing to organisation-wide nursing development.

What We Offer

• A supportive and inclusive team environment that values collaboration and innovation.

• Mentorship, professional supervision, and opportunities for leadership development.

• Access to postgraduate study and continuing professional development.

• Involvement in regional and national mental health education initiatives.

• A workplace that embraces te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori.

• The opportunity to directly influence care experiences and health outcomes for whaiora through education that is equity-focused.

 Click here to view the position description.

About You

We are looking for a nurse who brings both clinical expertise in mental health and a passion for teaching. You will have:

• A current annual practice certificate with NZNC.

• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a demonstrated commitment to improving Māori health outcomes.

• At least four years’ post-registration experience in mental health and addictions.

• Proven experience facilitating and assessing learning in clinical environments.

• Expert or Proficient level on the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP).

• A relevant adult teaching qualification (e.g., preceptorship, adult education).

• Evidence of successful postgraduate study.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• A current New Zealand driver’s license.

• Experience educating both nursing and allied health staff is highly desirable.

About Waikato Hospital – Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is one of New Zealand’s largest tertiary teaching hospitals and serves as the central hub for the Midland region, providing specialist care to people from Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, and Taranaki districts. With strong links to academic institutions and a wide range of specialty services, Waikato Hospital offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for professional growth.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. We value a workforce that is diverse and inclusive, and we encourage applications from our 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 2 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shona.Barker@waikatodhb.health.nz

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