Nursing Opportunities
Kia ora (hello) – are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime?
We’re looking for Nurses to join our teams in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Critical Care ICU Nurses
We’re looking for nurses to fill positions in our Intensive Care Units as well as across all of our health system. Your skills are in demand right now working as part of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest health workforce. Whether you’re bringing your whānau (family) or making the journey alone we’re here to help you!
Critical care services are provided by 26 units across the country, offering a diverse range of intensive care settings including a flight retrieval service. Larger units provide cardiac trauma, neuro-paediatric, general, burns, spinal, cardiothoracic, and paediatric care, while smaller units support mixed ICU and HDU spaces for unwell children, long-term medical patients, and acute surgical patients.
Our ICU teams collaborate closely and know that working together as a team is really important for patients. We focus on providing care that involves both the patient and whānau (family).
One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the opportunity to experience nature, and outdoor adventure, with vibrant cities so close to where you live and work.
Along with relocation support, Nurses are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
As well as competitive salaries, Aotearoa, New Zealand has a flexible working environment with plenty of roles available. Continual growth and education are encouraged, and assistance is provided to those wishing to take up education opportunities within nursing.
About the roles
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What is the process for getting nursing registration in New Zealand?
The Nursing Council of New Zealand has a handy self assessment tool that can help you understand how to become registered to practice in Aotearoa, New Zealand
International Nursing Registration Process
What is the new Competency Assessment Programme fund?
The Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) fund has been established to help reduce the cost for Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) who need to complete a Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) to gain registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You can find out more about what is included, the criteria, and how to apply here.
I only have a diploma - can I get registration?
There is a process through the Nursing Council of New Zealand to apply for registration. This will guide you on what will be required.
Do I need an English language test (IELTS)?
In order to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, they must be satisfied that you are able to communicate effectively, and that your ability to communicate in and comprehend English is sufficient to protect the health and safety of the public.
If your education led to, or you have current nursing registration in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Ireland, Canada or the United States of America that required you to pass an English language test you may be able to apply for a waiver.
To find out more visit the Nursing Council of New Zealand website
Why does New Zealand need so many nurses?
Along with investing in better health outcomes and an aging population, Aotearoa, New Zealand also has a commitment to Safe Staffing in our workplaces, ensuring patient safety.
Do I have to belong to the Union?
Employees choose to join a union. Unions negotiate collective employment agreements and advocate on behalf of employees, working together in the interest of the individual, the collective and the broader community.
Their purpose is to secure jobs, improve terms and conditions of employment, and achieve a better quality of life for workers.
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Te Whatu Ora has established an Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) Fund to help support nurses gain registration to work in New Zealand.
IQNs who are required to complete a CAP to become registered to work in New Zealand can apply for reimbursement of up to NZ$10,000 by filling out an Expression of Interest before the CAP course starts. More information can be found on the Te Whatu Ora website.
Reimbursement of costs will be considered when IQNs have completed their course and can provide evidence of the following:
Successful completion of a Competence Assessment Programme offered by a provider accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand that begins from 1 August 2022
Registration from the Nursing Council of New Zealand
A confirmed offer of employment in a direct patient-facing role in health settings such as hospitals, aged care, GP practices, mental health and addictions.
Required work visa to work in New Zealand
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To work as a nurse in Aotearoa, New Zealand you must become registered to practice and hold an Annual Practicing Certificate.
Internationally qualified nurses who meet Nursing Council of New Zealand standards may apply to become registered to practice in New Zealand.
To find out more information including the details you’ll need before you apply, please read the information outlined at the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
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What is the salary?
Pay for registered nurses varies depending on their qualification experience duties and responsibilities.
The link below shows pay rates as agreed in the current NZNO Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA)
What are the shift time penal rates?
Under the Nursing Collective Agreement there is:
Weekend rate of time one half (0.5) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate
Public Holiday rate of time one (T1) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate
Night rate at quarter time (T0.25) in addition to the ordinary hourly rate
What are the leave entitlements?
Most of our workforce receive a minimum of four (4) weeks annual leave usually working a set 40 hours a week.
What is the minimum contract period?
This will be determined by the organisation that employs you.
To maintain your nursing registration in Aotearoa, New Zealand you are required to have 450 hours of practice over three (3) years.
Will I be bonded?
This will depend on the organisation that you are employed into. If there is sponsored assistance there may be a two year bond agreement as part of your letter of offer.
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New Zealand Registered Nurse – Intensive Care Units
We are looking for innovative, committed, forward-thinking registered nurses to join our Intensive Care Services in New Zealand. Our service encompasses all specialties including cardio-thoracic, neurosurgery and paediatrics.
We have a strong commitment to nursing education and excellence in patient care. There are many opportunities to further your education and be part of a committed and innovative team. The Service offers support on the Professional Development Recognition Programme and progress towards a Master’s degree. There is also the opportunity to train as a flight nurse within the busiest flight retrieval service in New Zealand and career advancement with the Patient at Risk service or to progress into education, research or clinical nurse specialist roles.
About you
To be successful in this role it would be ideal if you had a background in critical care, however, two years acute ward would also be advantageous. If you are keen to be part of a service that supports initiative, autonomy and excellence in nursing practice then we are interested in hearing from you.
There are a variety of contracts available including leave cover, permanent or fixed-term and full-time or part-time.
About us
New Zealand has a highly skilled, dedicated and professional health workforce delivering exceptional care. However, there are opportunities to make improvements. We need to build a future health system that will perform better for all of us. A system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care (family centred), and excellence.
Firmly grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Te Whatu Ora serves all New Zealanders.
We’re shaping a future health system that will be simpler and more coordinated, allowing for better and more consistent care, and that will support all New Zealanders to live longer and have the best possible quality of life.
About the role
General staff nurse duties Intensive Care
Delivery of ICU and HDU care in general adult and paediatric ICU
Practice in accordance with the Domains of Competence for the Registered/Enrolled Nurse.
Work as part of a team and to handle multiple tasks safely and effectively.
Maintain a current Nursing Council of New Zealand practicing certificate.
To be successful in this role you will ideally have:
Current New Zealand Annual Practicing Certificate
Previous acute experience
Intensive care qualification desirable
Previous experience in a nursing role with a patient centric approach.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Good level of computer literacy.
A high degree of self-motivation, willingness, and self-responsibility to continually improve and remain current with nursing skills and knowledge.
High levels of professionalism with an enthusiastic, proactive, flexible approach.
Previous experience in an ICU environment.
Ideal career and lifestyle match just for you
Fast track to residency as a Green List Role
Expand your skills and career somewhere different
An opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone
Move towards your passion and adventure
Hear from our Critical Nurses
From a progressive, culturally-led model of healthcare, to flexible annual leave to take care of your health, find out why these critical care nurses love working in Aotearoa New Zealand
Webinar: Emigrating to New Zealand for Overseas Qualified Nurses
The Nursing Council of New Zealand, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service talks about the four steps to emigration for Nurses.
Also hear from Ann - an Auckland-based nurse - who has worked all over the world, and talks about why she chose New Zealand as her current home.
Register your Interest
Thanks for wanting to register your interest for critical care roles in New Zealand. Registering your interest means that we can discuss opportunities that suit you, your lifestyle, and your family.
