Posted 25 July, 2026
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Medical Oncology
New Zealand Government
Wellington, WGN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: defee4a0e445031e
Job Description
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Medical Oncology (Nurse Practitioner Candidate Pathway) Regional Cancer Treatment Service – Location: Palmerston North Hospital – Permanent Part/Full-Time (0.8 – 1.0 FTE) Key Benefits Unique opportunity to develop toward Nurse Practitioner candidacy within Medical Oncology Supported postgraduate education and advanced practice development Clinical mentorship and professional supervision from senior nursing and medical staff Encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged Professional and highly supportive multidisciplinary team Opportunities to lead innovation, quality improvement and service development initiatives Tailored wellness programmes Fulfilling and meaningful work supporting people and whānau throughout the cancer journey About the Role The primary purpose of this position is to provide a structured clinical and professional development pathway toward Nurse Practitioner (NP) candidacy in Medical Oncology. This role has been specifically designed to support the development of advanced nursing practice and prepare the successful applicant for entry into the 2028 Nurse Practitioner Candidate programme, with progression toward Nurse Practitioner endorsement. Responsibilities Provide advanced clinical assessment, care coordination, symptom management, patient education and leadership for people receiving medical oncology treatment. Collaborate closely with Medical Oncologists, nursing colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team to support timely, safe and equitable care delivery. Develop expertise in clinical decision‑making, quality improvement, service development, research and advanced practice competencies. Contribute to innovative models of care that improve outcomes for patients and whānau. Participate in nurse‑led initiatives and clinics, and work toward achieving the competencies required for Nurse Practitioner candidacy. About the Team / Service The Regional Cancer Treatment Service provides specialist cancer care for a large regional population spanning MidCentral, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui and Wairarapa. Our Medical Oncology service delivers comprehensive cancer treatment and supportive care through a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. The team includes Medical Oncologists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Registered Nurses, Allied Health professionals, pharmacists and support staff committed to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care. We are passionate about improving access to cancer services, reducing inequities in outcomes and ensuring people receive excellent care as close to home as possible, while building advanced nursing practice capability and developing the next generation of Nurse Practitioners. About the Location Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living. With affordable housing, excellent schools, easy commuting and access to outdoor activities such as beaches, ski fields, mountains, hiking and mountain biking, Manawatū offers an exceptional quality of life. Our central location also provides easy access to the rest of New Zealand by road or short domestic flights. Palmerston North is home to Massey University and several tertiary education providers, making it an excellent location for ongoing postgraduate study and professional development. About You You will have: Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current APCA minimum of five years’ clinical nursing experience, including significant experience within cancer care, oncology, haematology or a related specialty. Postgraduate qualifications – Master’s degree completed or in progress. Prescribing qualification or an interest in progressing toward prescribing practice. Strong commitment to enrolling in and completing the educational requirements necessary for Nurse Practitioner candidacy. Demonstrated clinical leadership, critical thinking and advanced assessment skills. Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and achieving equitable outcomes for Māori. Excellent communication, relationship‑building and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Passion for innovation, quality improvement and service development. Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Desirable: Experience leading quality, audit, research or service improvement initiatives. Working toward a Senior Nurse Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) Portfolio. Equal Employment Opportunity Health NewZealand | TeWhatuOra is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of NewZealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities. For further information, please contact: Jenna Barugh, Associate Director of Nursing – Cancer Screening, Treatment and Support – [email protected] #J-18808-Ljbffr