Poumanaaki Acute Care Services Emergency Department

An exciting opportunity to join our Emergency Department as a Poumanaaki – Acute Care Services. This permanent part‑time 0.8 FTE role (64 hours a fortnight, rostered shifts Monday‑Sunday with an on‑call component) is newly established as part of the ongoing expansion and development of Emergency Department services at Nelson Hospital. The position strengthens patient support, improves access to culturally responsive care, and promotes an overall positive patient and whānau experience within the Emergency Department and Intensive Coronary Care Unit.

The Poumanaaki plays a vital role in supporting Māori and Pasifika patients and whānau during critical care services out of hours. Working closely with clinical and multidisciplinary teams, you will help patients navigate the healthcare system, provide cultural advocacy and support, and contribute to positive health outcomes through relationship‑based care. You will also complete cultural assessments as a component of overall care.

• Supporting patients and whānau during their ED presentation.
• Providing culturally safe, compassionate, and patient‑centred support.
• Assisting patients to understand their care pathway and available services.
• Helping identify barriers to care and facilitating access to appropriate support services.
• Contributing to improved patient experiences and equitable health outcomes.

Nelson Hospital’s ED provides 24/7 emergency care to a diverse patient population and currently sees more than 33,000 presentations per annum. The recently completed ED expansion offers a modern, purpose‑built environment that improves patient experience and staff well‑being, with additional treatment and resuscitation areas, improved workflow design, and upgraded facilities to meet the growing needs of the community.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about supporting people during times of crisis and uncertainty and who can build trusting relationships with patients and whānau from diverse backgrounds. Fluency in Te Reo and tikanga Māori is advantageous; a basic understanding of Te Reo Māori will also be considered.

• Experience working within healthcare settings, acute services, or supporting Māori and Pacific communities would be highly regarded.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to engage effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• A commitment to equity, cultural safety, and patient‑centred care.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pasifika, disabled, and rainbow communities.