Clinical Nurse Specialist - Planned Care Faster Cancer Treatment

• Based at Christchurch Hospital Campus
• 1.0FTE (40 hours per week) permanent full-time position
• Develop your leadership skills in this rewarding role

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 are excited to offer a new opportunity as a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Planned Care Faster Cancer Treatment (FCT), working across surgical tumour streams at Christchurch Hospital.

This autonomous and highly influential role focuses on ensuring patients receive timely cancer treatment and ensuring the 31-day Faster Cancer Treatment target is consistently met. You will work closely with surgical services, planned care teams and the FCT Portfolio Manager of Waitaha to track patient progress, identify delays, and drive system and pathway improvements.

You will play a key role in managing FCT tracking processes, monitoring patient journeys from  diagnosis to treatment, escalating risks early and ensuring accurate and timely reporting to support Ministry of Health requirements.

This is a Monday - Friday role, and it is anticipated that the working hours will be 8:00am - 4:30pm, however we can offer some flexibility here.

About the Service

This role sits within Planned Care, working in a small, high-performing team with strong clinical and operational partnerships across the Christchurch campus. You will collaborate closely with Cancer Nurse Coordinators, MDM Coordinators, Service Managers, SMOs, booking teams, data leads and regional stakeholders to improve efficiency, access and outcomes for patients whose first definitive cancer treatment is surgery.

About You

You are an experienced Registered Nurse who thrives in complex systems, enjoys problem-solving and is confident working independently across multiple services. You bring strong clinical credibility, excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to influence and engage at all levels.

You will have:

• At least 5 years post-registration nursing experience, ideally in cancer, general surgery or upper gastrointestinal services
• A postgraduate qualification (or actively working towards one)
• Sound knowledge of surgical pathways, theatre processes and booking management
• A strong understanding of Faster Cancer Treatment targets and processes
• Proven ability to analyse data, identify improvement opportunities and lead change
• Well-established networks or the ability to quickly build effective relationships across services

You will be able to:

• Track and monitor FCT patients and complete electronic records accurately and on time
• Identify pathway delays and escalate risks to Service Managers and clinical leaders
• Use data and system insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Engage and educate teams on FCT pathways and process changes
• Deliver reports to regional and clinical cancer leadership
  

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

As part of your application, please also submit a PowerPoint presentation on the below topic. Please email it to Victoria.Steiner@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz referencing the Job Title.

PowerPoint Topic: "Based on the Position Description, job advertisement and your knowledge of Faster Cancer Treatment targets and processes - what is your vision for this role?"

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Friday 13th February.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Victoria at Victoria.Steiner@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz