Registered Nurse - Enhanced Post-Operative Unit

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, part-time, rotating positions (up to 72 hours/fortnight)
• Be part of an expanding and developing unit caring for high-risk post-surgery patients

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

We have an exciting opportunity with the ongoing development of the EPOU – Enhanced Post-Operative Unit. We have expanded into an eight bedded area running 24/7, following on from a pilot recently undertaken. The EPOU provides care for any surgical speciality patient following surgery who is assessed as high-risk post anaesthetics and based upon the type of surgical procedure. The EPOU is designed to provide higher level of nursing care and medical interventions for the first 48 hours post-surgery to enable positive patient outcomes.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

EPOU is located on the Waikato Hospital main campus in a newly refurbished unit. The unit is designed for patients who are not critically ill but require a closely monitored post-recovery stay to receive timely interventions based upon best medical practice and assessments made during the perioperative, intraoperative and postoperative stages.

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

We are looking for passionate, energetic registered nurses who have surgical, postoperative care unit, and/or critical care experience. 

If you are an experienced registered nurse who is flexible, enjoys change, and wants to be part of a new dynamic team leading change within the health care setting, we would love to hear from you.

Skills and experience required:

• > 4 years’ nursing experience
• Surgical or critical care experience
• Post-operative management knowledge inclusive of PSIMS
• IV opioid and respiratory management and skill set
• Experience leading change
• Can demonstrate adaptability and engagement
• A desire to enable positive change within practice

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 Thursday, 9 July 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.