Registered Nurses - Surgery and Orthopaedics

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, part-time
• Surgery and Orthopaedics service: General surgery assessment unit, neurosurgery and orthopaedic wards
• Join a dynamic and highly supportive team committed to teamwork, professional growth and excellence in patient care

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 opportunities to broaden your clinical knowledge and skills through exposure to a variety of surgical specialties, along with flexibility across rotating shifts and ward areas. Our nurses are empowered to be strong patient advocates while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and provide care for patients with acute, chronic, and post-operative surgical conditions.
• Manage and coordinate care for patients with complex presentations including trauma, tumours, cerebral haemorrhages, spinal conditions, fractures, hepatobiliary, and colorectal conditions.
• Deliver effective pain management and administer complex medication therapies safely and accurately.
• Assess, plan, and provide specialised wound care and drain management.
• Initiate, maintain, and contribute to high standards of quality patient care and clinical practice.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to support a positive, professional, and patient-centred environment.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

Our Surgical and Orthopaedic teams provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population requiring both pre- and post-operative management, alongside the assessment and conservative treatment of acute general surgical presentations.

The service encompasses wards ranging from 14 to 28 beds and includes a wide variety of specialties such as General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, Maxillofacial, Urology, Burns and Plastics, as well as the care of patients with multi-system trauma. This broad clinical exposure offers an excellent opportunity to further develop advanced surgical nursing skills within a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

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 seeking experienced and motivated Registered Nurses who are passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and thrive within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in an acute surgical setting within New Zealand.
• Flexibility and commitment to working rostered shifts across a 24-hour, 7-day service.
• Strong clinical assessment skills across Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, and General Surgery.
• A compassionate, patient-centred approach with a strong focus on achieving positive health outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective professional relationships.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a high standard of clinical care and professionalism.

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 Wednesday 3 June, 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.