Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Location: Hutt Hospital
Contract: Permanent, Fulltime - Monday to Friday
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we - re building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.
About the Role
As a Registered Nurse working in Ophthalmology, you will play a key role in delivering safe, patient-centred care to people with a wide range of acute and chronic eye conditions. You will work closely with ophthalmologists, orthoptists, optometrists, technicians, and wider health professionals to support patients across their care journey - from initial assessment and treatment through to surgical intervention and follow-up.
This is a varied role that requires both clinical expertise and strong communication skills. You may be involved in:
- Preparing patients for ophthalmic procedures and surgery.
- Administering and monitoring eye treatments, including eye drops, injections, and post-operative care.
- Assisting in clinics (glaucoma, retina, cornea, paediatric, urgent eye care).
- Providing patient education and supporting whānau/families to understand treatment plans.
- Using specialised ophthalmic equipment and ensuring accurate documentation.
- Participating in quality improvement, audits, and service development.
While the role is primarily based in Ophthalmology, there may be times you are required to work across other areas within the Outpatient Department to support service needs. This provides variety, exposure to different specialties, and opportunities to broaden your nursing skills.
Working in Ophthalmology offers a unique balance of technical skill, precision nursing, and patient advocacy. Eye health can have a profound impact on quality of life, and as part of the team, you will make a real difference to patient outcomes.
We are looking for nurses who are adaptable, eager to learn specialist skills, and passionate about delivering high-quality care in a busy outpatient and/or surgical setting. Training and support will be provided, with opportunities to grow into advanced nursing practice within this specialty.
About the Team/Service
You - ll be joining a supportive and multidisciplinary team who are passionate about improving eye health outcomes for our community. The Ophthalmology service is a busy, fast-paced environment where collaboration is key. Our team includes ophthalmologists, registrars, orthoptists, optometrists, and dedicated administrative staff.
We work closely together to provide high-quality care across a range of subspecialty clinics such as glaucoma, retina, cornea, paediatrics, and minor procedures. Nursing staff are integral to the smooth running of these clinics, ensuring patients feel supported and well informed throughout their care journey.
Although primarily based in Ophthalmology, we are part of the wider Outpatient Department and often work alongside colleagues from other specialties. This gives our nurses the opportunity to develop broader clinical skills, share knowledge, and be part of a larger, diverse outpatient team.
We value teamwork, professional development, and a culture of continuous improvement. You - ll be well supported as you grow your skills within a highly specialised field of nursing.
About you
You are a compassionate and adaptable Registered Nurse who is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, patient-focused care. You enjoy working in a busy, multidisciplinary environment and are confident communicating with patients, whānau/families, and colleagues.
Ideally, you will bring:
- Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate.
- Recent New Zealand clinical experience, preferably in an acute, outpatient, or surgical setting.
- A willingness to learn and develop specialist skills in Ophthalmology.
- Strong assessment and organisational skills, with attention to detail.
- The ability to work flexibly across Ophthalmology and other outpatient areas as service needs require.
- A commitment to cultural safety, equity, and supporting positive patient outcomes for all communities.
If you are enthusiastic about developing expertise in a specialised field, value teamwork, and want to make a real difference in patients - lives, we would love to hear from you.
Working at Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is - the weaving of wellness - . We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations. We embrace diversity and welcome application from all people, including all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and disability. A workforce that is diverse and inclusive means that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We are pro-equity health organisation, with a particular focus on Māori, Pacific Peoples, and the Disability Community.
How to Apply
To apply please click - apply now. - All applications must be submitted through our online careers - portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact deb.brodie@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advertisement.