Posted 10 August, 2026
Director Of Nursing Clinical Practice
New Zealand Government
Wellington, WGN, NZ
Full Time
Reference: 89c1030886e22928
Job Description
Role ‘Director of Nursing- Clinical Practice', Palmerston North Hospital. 0.9FTE This is an exciting opportunity, working with the Chief Nurse to develop a new clinically focused role. This role supports the delivery of evidence based, high-quality, equitable care, and assists in implementing strategic nursing improvement priorities to support safe care and improve patient outcomes. This role will assist in strengthening the nursing voice within all the streams of work across the organisation and drive effective clinical governance. This role will work autonomously across our hospital directorates (excluding mental health services) as part of the senior nursing advisory group. Benefits A proactive learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged A professional and supportive culture and excellent senior nursing team Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options Tailored wellness programmes 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 The Director of Nursing -clinical practice, reports to the Chief Nurse. The nurse will provide expert nursing leadership that drives clinical excellence, patient safety, and culturally safe practice, while upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding equity into all aspects of care. This position is required to review ethnicity data to co-design nursing focused equity actions for high-risk populations that support equitable outcomes. The nurse will be accountable for contributing to and supporting programmes of transformational clinical change, digital transformation and integration of services across the hospital with a nursing focus. Provide leadership to ensure nursing practice meets regulatory requirements. About you The ideal candidate for this role will be someone with a proven track record in recent hospital based senior nursing leadership experience, with 10 + years experience as a registered nurse. We are looking for a passionate, motivated nurse leader who is used to driving change and thriving in challenging environments. Relevant Master's degree or on the pathway Knowledge and understanding of the NZ Health and Disability system, legislation and Government imperatives for health. Ability to manage multiple tasks and demands in a timely manner, can manage and direct resources (people, funding, material, support). An understanding and respect of kaupapa Māori and relationships within te ao Māori. About the Team/Service Our Nursing team here at MidCentral is going through a period of transformational change and are committed to managing the requirements of the Health system reform while growing as a team to raise the collective voice and influence of nursing. Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua - MidCentral is a 350-bed hospital in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatū, a city in the Lower North Island of New Zealand. Palmerston North Hospital is a secondary hospital and offers most medical and surgical specialties with the exception of Cardiothoracic, Plastic and Neurosurgery. The hospital serves a local population of 180,000 but is the base for a regional head and neck oncology service which has responsibility for a population of 550,000 and draws patients from Whanganui, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay. Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. About the Location Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College. Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. No traffic, an easy commute to work and a strong community feel, help achieve true work-life balance. Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr