Clinical Nurse Lead

Clinical Nurse Lead – Surgical

Southern Cross Brightside Hospital

Southern Cross Brightside Hospital is a modern private surgical hospital located in central Auckland. Originally established on its Auckland site in Epsom in the 1940s, Southern Cross Brightside Hospital was completely rebuilt to modern, high tech specifications and re-opened in 2000.

Brightside Hospital offers a wide range of surgical services and post-operative care to around 4,500 patients each year. This four-theatre hospital provides 43 in-patient beds and 6 day stay chairs, and has a staff of nearly 100.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Are you a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse looking to take the next step in your leadership journey? Brightside Hospital is offering a full-time opportunity for a Clinical Nurse Lead to join our team and play a pivotal role in ward leadership and patient care.

This is a key leadership position responsible for leading shifts, overseeing clinical care, and supporting the nursing team to deliver safe, high-quality patient outcomes. You'll maintain a strong clinical presence on the ward while also coordinating care across departments—including admissions—ensuring seamless service delivery.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for surgical nursing and a collaborative approach to team leadership. You'll bring a commitment to continuous improvement and cultural safety, and be keen to grow into a Patient Services Manager role as part of your career development.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• NZ Registered Nurse with a current practicing certificate and surgical scope
• Extensive surgical nursing experience – at least 5 years of post-operative patient care experience, supported by PDRP Level 3 (Proficient), with a strong background in surgical care in urology, gynaecology and orthopaedics
• Confident in leading others – with at least 2 years of experience coordinating shifts or supporting team members in a clinical setting
• Cross-departmental flexibility – comfortable working across ward, admissions, and preadmissions, with a willingness to support broader hospital operations
• A natural team player – collaborative, reliable, and able to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment
• Professional presence – calm, compassionate, and able to foster a positive team culture

Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Subsidised health insurance
• Christmas and New Year breaks
• Nursing Council of New Zealand approved PDRP
• Discounts on products and services from a range of our partners
• Wellbeing programme
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Opportunity to be part of our Employee Rainbow Network

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation

Southern Cross Healthcare is driven by a clear purpose to advance the provision of quality healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our people are at the core of everything we do and the care we provide. We combine the skills of more than 4,000 people, including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians working with more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health professionals.

Together, we are one of the largest providers of healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand and the most trusted brand in our industry.

Our strong 'for purpose' organisational ethos means we don't merely think in financial quarters, we think in generations and the decades it takes to get there.

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

As an organisation, we are committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing a culturally safe environment that demonstrates manaakitanga and embraces the unique perspectives and experiences of our people.

We aspire to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand and welcome applications from people of all communities and backgrounds.

If you would like to discuss your specific needs and how we can support you, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at for a confidential conversation.

Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.

For a copy of the Job Description visit Clinical-Nurse-Lead--Ward-.pdf