Clinical Nurse Specialist, Patient at Risk Service

About the Company At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we are committed to providing exceptional healthcare to the people of New Zealand. Our organization operates under the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that we build a health system that serves all New Zealanders. We embrace diversity and inclusivity in our workforce, allowing us to better understand and meet the needs of our community. About the Role We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Patient at Risk (PAR) team at Palmerston North Hospital. This permanent, part-time role offers the flexibility of hours to be negotiated. It presents an exciting opportunity for a nurse who is looking to advance their leadership skills while working autonomously within a supportive team environment focused on innovation and excellence in patient safety. In this advanced practice position, you will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and supporting patients who are at risk of acute deterioration. You will ensure timely and coordinated care across the healthcare continuum, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. This role is essential in promoting clinical excellence, mentoring nursing staff, and leading quality improvement initiatives. It is ideal for nurses who thrive in acute settings and are passionate about elevating patient care standards through evidence-based practice and critical thinking. Joining our team means being part of a progressive health system that values leadership, continuous learning, and cultural competence. This role offers both professional challenges and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the care of patients experiencing deterioration while contributing to system-wide excellence. As a member of the PAR team, you will provide 24/7 hospital-wide coverage. About the Team/Service MidCentral employs over 2,500 people and fosters a supportive work environment that values every employee. We actively seek to include Māori kaimahi in our workforce and are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The MidCentral region offers an excellent lifestyle for families, featuring scenic spots for hiking and mountain biking, as well as access to great schools and tertiary institutions. With mountains, city, and sea nearby, you can enjoy the perfect blend of rural and urban living. About the Location Manawatu is celebrated for its seamless integration of city and rural life, allowing you to choose your ideal lifestyle—whether in peaceful rural villages, bustling townships, or vibrant city environments. It is a family-friendly area with easy access to outdoor activities such as beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains, along with fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. The absence of heavy traffic and a manageable commute contribute to a true work-life balance. Our central location makes exploring other parts of New Zealand convenient, whether by car or a short flight. We also have excellent educational opportunities, including two tertiary institutions—Massey University and the International Pacific College. About You Essential Qualifications: - Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) - A minimum of seven years of clinical experience, with experience in acute care settings or critical care services (e.g., ED, ICU, CCU) - A postgraduate qualification or in the process of obtaining one - Experience working within a multidisciplinary team to support coordinated patient care - Familiarity with early warning score systems and clinical escalation protocols - Experience in providing patient and whānau-centered care with a strong focus on equity and cultural safety Professional Skills Required: - Advanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills - Strong leadership and role-modeling capabilities - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise across disciplines and support staff education - Ability to teach, coach, and support nursing staff in real-time clinical situations - High level of initiative and autonomy in managing complex and evolving clinical situations - Commitment to ongoing professional development and education - Confidence in using data to inform practice and drive improvements Working at Health New Zealand We are dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion enriches our workforce and enhances our ability to serve the community effectively. We encourage applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.