Clinical Nurse Specialist - Emergency Department

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Emergency Department

Rewarding opportunity to apply advanced clinical expertise in managing complex and acute patient presentations.

Play a pivotal role in improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice, enhancing triage accuracy, and reducing wait times.

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 Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the Emergency Department is a highly skilled advanced practice nurse who plays a critical role in delivering expert care to patients with complex and acute presentations.

This role combines clinical leadership with direct patient care, ensuring timely, evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes and enhance patient flow.

The CNS supports the ED team through mentorship, education, and clinical guidance, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

With a strong focus on quality, safety, and innovation, the CNS contributes to service development, policy implementation, and system-level efficiencies, making a significant impact on both patient experience and operational effectiveness.

Key responsibilities

Provision of advanced clinical care incorporating nursing and medical care of the highest standard, which is safe and appropriate, in a range of settings.

Accountable for planning, priority setting and problem solving.

Demonstrates effective clinical management or rapidly changing crisis situations.

Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills.

Demonstrates use of nursing and medical research in clinical practice commitment to nursing education and professional development.

Demonstrates responsibility and accountability of own practice in accordance with speciality, professional and organisational polices and standards.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

Our Emergency Department team is a dynamic, multidisciplinary group committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care in a fast-paced and often unpredictable environment.

The team includes experienced emergency nurses, Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Nurse Practitioners, medical staff, allied health professionals, and support personnel, all working collaboratively to respond to a wide spectrum of acute presentations.

Each member brings specialised skills and knowledge, contributing to a culture of clinical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

The team operates with a strong focus on equity, cultural responsiveness, and partnership with patients and whanau, guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Together, we strive to provide compassionate, timely, and effective care, while fostering a supportive and collegial workplace that values professional development and innovation.

About you

The Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Emergency Department is a senior nursing role requiring advanced clinical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to evidence-based practice.

Candidates must be Registered Nurses with a current practising certificate.

Completed postgraduate qualifications, typically at a masters level, focused on emergency or advanced nursing practice.

The role demands highly developed clinical assessment and decision-making skills.

Demonstrated experience in acute care settings, preferably working in a senior role in an ED environment for at least 5 years.

A strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and cultural safety is essential, ensuring care is equitable and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.

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 Maori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

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 12 November

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

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