Registered Nurse Assistant to the Anaesthetist

• We are seeking applicants for the Registered Nurse Anaesthetic Assistant (RNAA) programme, please ensure that you read over the requirements below before applying.
• Anticipated programme start date is mid year 2026

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

Are you a Registered Nurse ready to take the next step in your clinical career? We are offering an exciting 12‑month (approx.) fully funded programme to become a Registered Nurse Assistant to the Anaesthetist (RNAA). This “earn as you learn” opportunity allows you to develop advanced perioperative skills, support anaesthetists in theatres, and play an important role in patient care throughout the perioperative journey.

You’ll receive structured theoretical learning, supervised clinical experience, and hands‑on training in areas such as anaesthetic equipment, airway management, patient monitoring, and emergency response. Once the programme is successfully completed, you will transition into an RNAA role within our operating theatres.

About Us

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, we believe in variety, teamwork, and high‑quality care. Our anaesthetic service works across multiple sites -  Christchurch Hospital (Public, Women’s, and Waipapa) and Burwood Hospital giving you exposure to a wide range of specialties including obstetrics, trauma, ECT, paediatrics, acute, and planned care. No two days are the same.

Our campuses are located in some of Canterbury’s most scenic spots, from Hagley Park’s blossoms in spring to New Brighton Beach and Bottle Lake Forest near Burwood, offering great lifestyle balance alongside rewarding clinical work.

Our team includes Registered Anaesthetic Technicians, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), and RNAA‑qualified nurses. We’re proud of our strong culture, built on shared values of professionalism, caring, collaboration, and resilience. We are committed to providing a supportive learning environment and welcoming people who uphold these values.

What the RNAA programme involves:

• Provides theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to assist anaesthetists in peri-operative care
• Supervised clinical practice in the operating theatre
• Covers principles of anaesthesia, pharmacology, anaesthetic equipment etc
• Teaches patient assessment, preparation, and peri-operative monitoring
• Develops skills in airway management and use of anaesthetic equipment
• Trains participants to assist with induction, maintenance, and emergence from anaesthesia
• Builds competence in recognising and responding to patient deterioration and emergencies
• Promotes effective communication and teamwork within the multidisciplinary operating theatre team
• Supports professional accountability and adherence to clinical standards and protocols
  

About You

You’re a motivated Registered Nurse who is eager to grow your clinical expertise and step into a specialised anaesthesia‑related role. You enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and supporting safe patient care during complex procedures.

You bring curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. You thrive in environments where no two days are the same and value teamwork as much as technical skill. You’re ready to contribute positively to our team while developing your own practice.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the RNAA programme, you must:

• Be a New Zealand Registered Nurse with a current APC
• Have a strong interest in perioperative or anaesthesia‑aligned practice
• Be able to commit to the programme at a minimum of 0.8 FTE, with the expectation of working 0.8–1.0 FTE upon successful completion
• Ideally have experience in one of the following areas (these applicants will be prioritised):
• Perioperative Nursing
• Intensive Care
• Emergency/ED Nursing
• Be open to learning, teamwork, and taking an active role in our anaesthetic service

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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 15th March.

Please answer in your cover letter  “Why do you believe the RNAA pathway is the right next step in your nursing career and how our shared values align with your practice”?

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz