Clinical Nurse Specialist - Infection Control

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Infection Control Permanent 80 hours per fortnight Leading safer care. Preventing infections. Influencing system-wide improvement 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to join our dynamic IPC Service. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse with a passion for patient safety, quality improvement, and leadership to influence infection prevention practices across a large and diverse healthcare system. As a CNS, you will provide advanced clinical expertise, leadership, education, and consultancy to support the prevention and management of healthcare‑associated infections and emerging infectious disease risks. Key responsibilities Provide specialist clinical leadership and expert IPC advice across hospital and community services. Lead surveillance, investigation, and management of healthcare‑associated infections, outbreaks, and emerging infection risks. Support organisational quality improvement initiatives that strengthen infection prevention practices and patient safety. Analyse and interpret surveillance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Develop and deliver education programmes, training, and coaching to multidisciplinary teams. Lead and contribute to policy development, guideline reviews, audits, and evidence‑based practice initiatives. Work collaboratively with clinical services, microbiology, infectious diseases, public health, occupational health, facilities, and executive leadership teams. Champion best practice in hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, aseptic technique, transmission‑based precautions, antimicrobial stewardship, and device‑related infection prevention. Support equity‑focused approaches that improve outcomes for Māori and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi. What we offer A supportive and highly experienced Infection Prevention and Control team. Opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and advanced practice. Access to postgraduate education, ACIPC courses, conferences, and mentorship. Involvement in regional and national IPC initiatives and networks. Opportunities to influence healthcare quality and patient safety at a system level. Click here to view the position description. 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. For more information on living and working in Waikato click here About you You will be an experienced nurse who brings advanced clinical knowledge, leadership capability, and a passion for quality care. Current New Zealand Nursing Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate. Minimum five years' post‑registration nursing experience. Demonstrated leadership and advanced clinical practice skills. Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship‑building abilities. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience interpreting clinical data. Commitment to equity, cultural safety, and improving health outcomes for Māori. Recent IPC experience in a tertiary setting. Postgraduate qualification relevant to IPC, quality improvement, public health, microbiology, or a related field. ACIPC Credentialling or working towards credentialling. Experience leading quality improvement projects, education programmes, or service development initiatives. 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. If you are passionate about patient safety, quality improvement, and advancing Infection Prevention and Control practice, we would love to hear from you. 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 2 August 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ann Whitfield, Clinical Nurse Consultant at [email protected] We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert. #J-18808-Ljbffr