Health Care Assistant - Post Anaesthetic Care Unit

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 have an exciting opportunity for a Health Care Assistant (HCA) to become part of our dynamic Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) team.

As a Health Care Assistant in PACU, youll play a key role in delivering high quality care and comfort to patients undergoing surgical procedures.

This is a fast paced and high-pressure setting, so were looking for someone who thrives under pressure, remains clam and focused, and brings a warm, adaptable, and empathetic approach to patient care.

Reliability, teamwork, and sensitivity to the needs of others are essential.

Key responsibilities :

• Restocking, cleaning, and maintaining equipment and bed spaces.
• Assisting with patient care such as hygiene, linen changes, and comfort measures.
• Supporting safe manual handling and pressure area care.
• Working under direction to safely support and manage patients with challenging behaviours.
• Assisting with patient transfers to wards.
• Working both autonomously and with others as a valued member of the PACU team.

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO agreement.

Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team / Service

PACU is a large critical care environment where patients are cared for following planned or emergency surgery.

The unit receives patients from 24 operating theatres, four outlying areas (ECT, CT, MRI Lomas and MRI Meade) and is also responsible for delivering care to women and babies in delivery suite.

PACU is a fast-paced environment where our HCAs work is vital in ensuring other members of the nursing and medical teams have everything, they need at their fingertips, at the right time and in the right place, to perform their work.

About you

Required skills & experience you will need to be consider for this role :

• Excellent verbal and written communication and time-management skills,
• Strong patient focus,
• Be physically fit as the role involves physical manual handling,
• Be dedicated to being an important part of our health care team,
• The ability to problem solve and troubleshoot,
• Be responsive to urgency and the ability to prioritise,
• Be able to work rostered and rotating shifts throughout the week and weekends.
• Previous experience in a healthcare setting within New Zealand as a Health Care Assistant is desirableThis role suits someone proactive, caring, and team-focused, who takes pride in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for patients and staff.

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 9 November

• If you have any questions about the role, please contact Komal Kaur at

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.