Lead IPC initiatives to reduce healthcare-associated infections across Waikato Hospital

Registered Nurse - Infection, Prevention and Control

Waikato Hospital, Hamilton

Permanent full time 80 hours per fortnight

Protecting patients, supporting staff, and improving system wide safety.

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

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse to join our dedicated IPC team at Waikato Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to safer care, reduce healthcare associated infections, and support high quality IPC practice across our services.

Key responsibilities:

  • Provide expert IPC advice, education, and support across clinical and non-clinical teams.
  • Assist in surveillance of healthcare associated infections, incident reviews, and outbreak management.
  • Contribute to the development and review of IPC policies, procedures, and quality projects.
  • Work collaboratively with clinical teams, cleaning/estates, microbiology, infectious diseases, occupational health, and leadership groups.
  • Promote safe patient placement, hand hygiene, cleaning, aseptic technique, PPE use, device management, and antimicrobial stewardship principles.
  • Support equity focused IPC approaches that improve outcomes for Māori and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

About the Team/Service

Our IPC team are passionate about making a meaningful impact on patient safety, infection prevention and control, supporting best practice across our services. If you are equally enthusiastic about work in this space and would like to be part of a forward thinking IPC service, then we would love to hear from you!

What We Offer

  • A welcoming, supportive, and highly knowledgeable IPC team.
  • Access to ongoing education, including ACIPC courses, post-graduate study, and mentorship.
  • Opportunities to lead and contribute to quality improvement, outbreak responses, and system strengthening.
  • National and regional networking within Aotearoas IPC community.
  • Competitive salary and benefits under the NZNO MECA.
  • Career growth in a rapidly evolving, nationally connected IPC service.

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

You will be a proactive and committed nursing professional with:

  • Current NZ Nursing Council registration and APC.
  • Ideally experience in IPC, microbiology, quality improvement, public health or related fields (training can be supported).
  • Strong communication, teaching, and relationship-building skills.
  • The ability to analyse data, prioritise risks, and respond in a calm, solution-focused way.
  • Commitment to cultural safety, equity, and partnership with Māori.
  • A passion for high standards of infection prevention practice and patient safety.

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 6th October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa McKerrow at Lisa.McKerrow@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

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

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