IPC Clinical Nurse Specialist

Central Auckland Closing date: 13 September 2026 Reference: 1104869

Southern Cross' Gillies Hospital based in Epsom, has been designed with a focus on short stay surgery and family-centred care, with four theatres, a purpose-built day-stay facility and 20 in-patient beds with ensuite facilities.

As a centre of expertise at for both head and neck surgery and Otolaryngology (ENT), Gillies offers oral and Maxillofacial, Gynaecological, Plastic, and Reconstructive and General Paediatric surgery. It is backed up by friendly, highly professional nursing teams and systems designed to support patients of all ages.

We have an opportunity for an experienced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) - Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our team on a permanent part-time (0.6 FTE) basis. With flexibility around days and hours, this role offers an excellent opportunity to achieve work-life balance while continuing to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

As the IPC Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will lead and champion infection prevention and control practices across the hospital. Partnering with clinical teams, medical specialists, hospital leaders, and the Safety, Quality and Risk team, you'll drive best practice, support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, and help ensure the highest standards of patient safety and quality care.

This is a diverse role that combines infection surveillance, auditing, governance reporting, quality improvement, accreditation, and staff education. You'll use data and evidence-based practice to identify opportunities for improvement, influence clinical practice, and contribute to strategic decision-making across the hospital.

Just as importantly, you'll be a trusted educator and advisor. You'll enjoy engaging with staff at all levels, from ward and theatre teams through to senior clinicians and medical specialists, building capability, promoting best practice, and driving positive change. We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running, confidently lead conversations, and bring the expertise, credibility, and enthusiasm to make a real difference.

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• Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a valid APC
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• 5+ years' Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) experience
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• Postgraduate qualification in an IPC-related field (Level 7), or working towards a Master's qualification
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• Strong knowledge of contemporary IPC practices and their practical application
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• Proven experience in surveillance, auditing, governance reporting, and quality improvement
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• Strong knowledge of contemporary IPC standards and best practice
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• Confidence presenting, educating, and influencing at all levels of the organisation
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• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
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• The ability to analyse data, identify opportunities, and lead positive change
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• A collaborative, credible, and approachable style
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• Experience within the private healthcare sector is advantageous, not essential
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• Competitive Rewards: Attractive remuneration package, relocation allowance, and employee referral bonus scheme.
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• Health & Wellbeing: Funded health insurance, a comprehensive wellbeing programme, and generous Christmas/New Year breaks.
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• Flexibility & Growth: Flexible working arrangements and a Nursing Council of New Zealand-approved PDRP.
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• Perks & Community: Discounts from a range of partners and the opportunity to join our Employee Network.
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At Southern Cross Healthcare, our purpose is clear: to advance quality healthcare across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our values shape everything we do:

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• Care First - We lead with compassion, delivering care that’s deeply human through genuine manaakitanga.
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• Better Together - Collaboration is our strength. We unite diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes for all.
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• Pursue Excellence - We strive to improve, innovate, and excel every day - never settling, always aiming to deliver our best.
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Driven by a strong 'for purpose' ethos, we think beyond financial quarters - planning for generations to come.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and foster a culturally safe environment that reflects manaakitanga and values the unique perspectives of our people. Our core value, Better Together, guides our goal to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you have specific needs or would like to discuss how we can support you, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected] for a confidential conversation.

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare.