Registered Mental Health Nurse
About the RoleClinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) provide clinical expertise to nursing leaders and nurses ensuring health needs of whaiora are identified. The focus is on supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and recovery-focused care for tāngata whaiora as part of quality improvement.The CNS will be a subject matter expert in forensic nursing and provide education and training to kaimahi.
It is a senior nurse role within the team and contributes to maintaining a therapeutic environment while supporting the appropriate management of risk and safety.Key responsibilities:Provide specialist nursing care and expertise, both in care delivery and in support of other staffResearch, evaluate, develop and implement standards of nursing practice in a forensic settingLead the development of pathways, protocols and guidelines in forensic nursingEngage and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, particularly tāngata whaiora and whānauSupport the pursuit of Māori health gains as well as achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori Click here to view the position description.
About the Team/ServiceWe currently have two CNS positions available, one in Puna Maatai which is our medium secure forensic admission ward and one in Puna Taupua which is our new medium secure forensic rehabilitation ward.Puna Maatai has 13 beds and supports some of our most vulnerable and unwell taangata whaiora, who can often present with significant risk and complex presentations.Taangata whaiora come to Puna Maatai either via the criminal justice system or Te Ara Poutama (Corrections).Puna Taupua has 10 beds and supports tāngata whaiora to re-integrate into the community and connect with whanau and loved ones.Both teams are multi-disciplinary and consist of nurses, mental health assistants, doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and activities facilitators.
About HamiltonWaikato 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 youExperience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settingsRegistered Nurse with 3-4 years of clinical experience in a mental health setting, preferably a forensic mental health settingCompleted a post graduate qualification in mental healthAbility to display initiative and resourcefulness that will allow you to navigate the variety of challenges you could face Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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 ApplyTo 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 Friday, 5 June 2026.If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nzWe will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.