Nurse Educator - Professional Development Unit

Nurse Educator - Professional Development Unit

Lead with purpose. Inspire excellence. Shape the future of nursing practice in Emergency Care Nursing.

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

Do you aspire to make a leadership contribution that influences workforce development and enhances health outcomes for patients and their whānau? Are you passionate about educating and upskilling nurses?

If so, we invite you to join the Professional Development Unit (PDU) at Waikato Hospital as a Nurse Educator within the Emergency portfolio.

We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement. As a Nurse Educator, you will play a pivotal role in the professional development of nurses and allied health professionals throughout the Waikato District, while building and strengthening professional partnerships across the Te Manawa Taki region.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine educational leadership with clinical expertise, supporting nurses and allied health professionals across inpatient and rural Emergency Care services.

Key Responsibilities

This position combines educational leadership with clinical expertise, focusing on:

• Identifying and responding to workforce learning needs.
• Embedding culturally safe, person-centred, and equity-focused care.
• Supporting undergraduate students and new graduate nurses.
• Facilitating learning in both urban and rural settings across the Waikato District.
• Advocating for patient and whānau-centred care through collaborative partnerships.
• Contributing to service improvements that reflect the voices and experiences of patients and whānau.

You will work in partnership with a team of experienced nurse educators and clinical leaders to plan, implement, and evaluate education initiatives, while also contributing to organisation-wide nursing development.

About the Team/Service

We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive team environment that values collaboration and innovation.
• Mentorship, professional supervision, and opportunities for leadership development.
• Access to postgraduate study and continuing professional development.
• Involvement in regional and national medical, rehabilitation, and nursing education initiatives.
• A workplace that embraces te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori.
• The opportunity to directly influence care experiences and health outcomes through education that is equity-focused.

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.

About you

We are looking for a nurse who brings both strong clinical expertise and a passion for teaching. You will have:

• A current annual practising certificate with NZNC.
• A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a demonstrated commitment to improving Māori health outcomes.
• At least four years' post-registration New Zealand experience in Emergency Care nursing.
• Proven experience facilitating and assessing learning in clinical environments.
• Expert or Proficient level on the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP).
• A relevant adult teaching qualification (e.g., preceptorship, adult education).
• Evidence of successful postgraduate study.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A current New Zealand driver's licence.
• Prior experience as a nurse educator is highly desirable.

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 now or apply via our Waikato Careers website. All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on Sunday, 1 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kendra Corey or Jennine Stevenson.

Job details

Job Reference: WAI32712

Location: Hamilton, North Island, Waikato

Job type: Contract/Temp Full time

Expertise: Clinical, Nursing, Senior Nursing

Closes: 01-Nov-2026