Clinical Nurse Specialist

• West Coast - Greymouth
• Permanent, Full-time working 40 hours per week

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 have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to join our Complex Clinical Care Service at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in promoting excellence in gerontology and advancing nursing practice across the organisation. You'll work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centred care, and provide expert clinical leadership to improve outcomes for our elderly population.

You will act as a clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, and change agent'using your advanced nursing expertise to support staff, patients, and whānau, while driving innovation and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Excellence

• Provide advanced clinical expertise and leadership in the care of our elderly patients.
• Undertake comprehensive health assessments and prescribe evidence-based interventions.
• Role model high-quality, culturally safe nursing practice in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
• Guide and mentor other nurses to build clinical capability within the team.
• Collaborate with patients, families/whānau, and other health professionals to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Leadership & Service Improvement

• Lead quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based changes to clinical practice.
• Contribute to clinical governance, audit, and research activities within the service.
• Provide consultation and guidance to health professionals within the service and across the organisation.
• Support a culture of professional growth, continuous learning, and accountability.

Education & Mentorship

• Collaborate with the Professional Development Unit and tertiary education providers to develop training opportunities.
• Support staff in achieving PDRP and professional development goals.
• Act as a clinical resource for staff, patients, and families.

Care Coordination & Case Management

• Coordinate care for patients with complex needs across hospital and community settings.
• Provide a central point of contact for patients and health professionals.
• Facilitate continuity of care through collaborative relationships across primary and secondary services.

Research & Quality

• Participate in and lead research or service improvement projects.
• Integrate clinical evidence into nursing practice and promote research dissemination.
• Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes to support evidence-based care improvements.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will be an advanced, forward-thinking nursing professional who demonstrates clinical credibility, strong leadership, and a genuine commitment to improving patient outcomes through education and best practice.

Essential Requirements

• Current Nursing Council of New Zealand practising certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in gerontology care or a related senior nursing role.
• Postgraduate qualification (or working towards) in a relevant clinical specialty.
• Advanced nursing skills at Proficient or Expert PDRP level.
• Demonstrated leadership, education, and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Computer literacy and sound organisational ability.

Desirable

• Working towards or holds a Master's in Clinical Nursing.
• RN Prescriber endorsement (or working towards).
• Demonstrated experience in clinical research or publication.
• Proven experience developing nursing standards and quality improvement initiatives.

Working for 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.

Health NZ West Coast is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The northern West Coast is unmatched for the scale, diversity, and accessibility of its natural attractions, including rugged coastline, sandy beaches, rainforests, and lofty peaks. The region boasts robust tourism and primary production industries, which provide the backbone of the local economy. The communities provide some of the best welcomes you'll receive in New Zealand. The people are passionate, friendly and nurturing.

Health NZ West Coast is proud of how we do things. We have a way of working that we consider unique. It's about trying new things, listening to ideas from wherever they come from and working together as one. We are passionate about attracting, recruiting, and retaining talented people - to become part of our team.

What we can offer

Accommodation support

Supported professional development pathways

Work-Life balance: Normal Working Hours Monday- Friday

Supportive team

Remuneration as per the Health New Zealand and New Zealand Nurses Organisation Nursing and Midwifery Collective Agreement

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click 'apply now.' All applications must be submitted through our online careers. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.