Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology Adolescent & Young Adult

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Oncology Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Fixed Term, part time – 16 hours per week
• We are seeking a motivated, compassionate and youth friendly nurse to join the team in supporting 12 – 24 year olds navigating a cancer pathway, across the Midland region.

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

• If you are dedicated, compassionate and enjoy making a positive impact to the holistic wellbeing of young people - then come be a part of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service working within oncology services across the Midland. You will combine your advanced nursing skills; to care and support 12 – 24 year olds and their whānau navigating a cancer diagnosis across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes and Tairawhiti regions. 
• You will work alongside your fellow AYA Cancer CNS to make a full 1.0 FTE complement, with some flexibility around work hours.
• This unique and rewarding role works across the entire cancer continuum—from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and where necessary, palliative care.
• The successful candidate will support the implementation of local and national initiatives, and develop strong relationships within Health NZ, Te Whatu Ora, Waikato

Key Responsibilities of the role:

• Provide expert clinical nursing care, coordination, and advocacy for AYA patients across the cancer continuum.
• Collaborate closely with CNS colleagues, regional cancer services, AYA Champions and multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and best-practice standards.
• Act as a point of contact for AYA patients and their whānau, facilitating communication, education, and support throughout the cancer journey.
• Assess and respond to the unique holistic needs of AYA patients in relation to physical, emotional, social, educational, and developmental stages.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives for AYA cancer care in the Midland Region.
• Promote equity of access and culturally safe care, particularly for Māori, Pacific and rural young people.
• Maintain comprehensive clinical documentation and participate in data collection and reporting as required by the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa.
• Participate in clinical supervision, peer support, and professional development activities.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

The AYA Cancer Service (midland region), is supported by Health New Zealand, Waikato, and will comprise of 2 Clinical Nurse Specialists (0.4 FTE + 0.6 FTE – current CNS), Medical Oncologists, junior doctors, medical oncology CNSs and administrators. The AYA Cancer Service is committed to delivering equitable, evidence-based care for rangatahi and young adults with cancer. Our regional model enables the CNSs to work closely with regional cancer centres, NGOs and community services. You will work alongside the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa and fellow AYA Cancer CNSs throughout Aotearoa, ensuring seamless and supportive care for our patients and their families across varied geographical and cultural communities.

 Benefits:

• Work as part of a respected, experienced team of AYA Clinical Nurse Specialists.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people and their whānau.
• Ongoing professional development and access to clinical supervision.
• Supportive work environment with flexibility and a strong team culture.
• Involvement in national and regional AYA cancer care initiatives.

About you

• Have a current New Zealand Annual Practicing Certificate
• Have a minimum of 2 years NZ hospital experience, preferably in oncology or adolescent health.
• Have a minimum of post graduate certificate
• Proficiency in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
• A full clean NZ driver’s licence

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 Māori, 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 1 July 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Shivani Kulkarni at Shivani.Kulkarni@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

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