Registered Nurse - Post Anaesthetic Care Unit

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent, Full-Time, 80 hours per fortnight
• A dynamic clinical setting where you can develop a broad range of skills and experience
• Great employee benefits (including discounts with many Hamilton businesses)

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

Join our Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) for a dynamic and rewarding nursing career in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment. PACU provides critical post-operative care for patients across all surgical specialties. You will work both independently and as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team. This 24/7 service operates on a full rotating roster, including weekends and on-call shifts.

We offer a comprehensive orientation, ongoing professional development, and a highly supportive team focused on patient-centred care.

Expanded Opportunities – Anaesthetic Clinic Rotation

Some PACU nurses also rotate through the Anaesthetic Clinic, a nurse- and anaesthetist-led service conducting thorough preoperative assessments to determine and ensure patient’s fitness and safety for anaesthesia. Clinic nurses play a key role in triaging, assessing, and educating patients on the anaesthetic process, while also coordinating their care from surgical referral through to day of surgery.

Once trained, nurses rotate between PACU and the clinic—typically one month in the clinic and a fortnight in PACU, or fortnight-about.

• Clinic hours: Monday to Friday, 0800–1630 or 0830–1700, with occasional weekend work.
• PACU roster: Full rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and on-call

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO Collective Agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) is a key component of the Theatre and Anaesthesia department at Waikato Hospital, supporting 25 operating theatres and caring for 80–100 patients per weekday across all surgical specialties, including:

• General Surgery, Vascular, Cardiothoracic, Urology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Maxillofacial, and more.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

 For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

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 experienced, articulate and adaptable nurses who thrive in high-pressure, team-based environments. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Essential prior experience in PACU, critical care, or acute surgical nursing
• A minimum of two years’ post-registration experience in an acute care setting in a New Zealand tertiary hospital
• Flexibility to work varied shifts to support a 24-hour service, including participation in an on-call roster
• Knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in healthcare
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as solid computer literacy
• Legal right to work in New Zealand, either as a citizen, permanent resident, or holder of an Australian passport or valid work visa/permit
• Current Annual Practising Certificate with the Nursing Council of New Zealand

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 12 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Komal Kaur at Komal.Kaur@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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