Registered Nurse - OPR1 - Mental Health Service for Older People

• Waikato Hospital
• Fixed term until May 2027 – full time – 80 hours per fortnight – 4:2 rostered shifts
• Come and work with a passionate and skilled team providing excellent care for our tāngata whaiora, working within an integrated model of care with close links to MHSOP

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

This role offers an opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and passionate team in our in-patient mental health environment for older persons; every day is different and you have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of others.

We are a caring and compassionate team who always have tāngata whaiora and whānau at the forefront of all our decision making. We understand the importance of keeping our staff well and motivated with emphasis on having a good work-life balance.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Assess, maintain and manage clinical risk.
• Build relationships with tāngata whaiora, whanau and support agencies.
• Conduct thorough assessments of tāngata whaiora health status and develop appropriate care plans in partnership with them.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for tāngata whaiora.
• Commit to the integrated MDT approach with a focus on excellent service delivery.
• Advocate for patient's rights and interests, ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

OPR1 is a busy 15 bedded unit providing acute assessment and treatment for tāngata whaiora over the age of 65 presenting with acute mental health conditions, dementia with behavioural and psychological conditions and palliative dementia care.

About Hamilton

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

• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings. 
• Registration with Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current APC with scope to work in mental health.
• Experience working in New Zealand in a mental health environment.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

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 31 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Bull on 027 238 2950.

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