Clinical Nurse Leader - Orthopaedic and Spinal

Clinical Nurse Leader

Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Are you a theatre nurse ready to lead in a high-performing surgical team? We’re seeking a passionate Clinical Nurse Lead (1.0 FTE, or 0.8 FTE for the right candidate) to lead our theatre team through the next evolution of patient-centred surgery — including the integration of robotic-assisted procedures that are redefining precision and outcomes. 

This is your opportunity to guide a tight-knit, motivated team at the forefront of surgical innovation. You’ll play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional patient outcomes across general surgery and specialties, with a strong focus on Orthopaedics, Spinal, and Neuro.

We’re looking for someone with proven leadership experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective clinical relationships with surgeons and fellow healthcare professionals. Our team is positive, kind, industrious, and people-focused, with a great sense of humour. We’re doing complex work and have bold ambitions, driven by a shared vision for change and excellence in surgical care.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• At least 5 years’ post-registration theatre experience, with deep expertise in general surgery and with 2 years in orthopaedic surgery
• Extensive theatre expertise – at least 5 years of post-registration experience, including 2+ years specialising in orthopaedic surgery
• Proven leadership skills — you know how to inspire, guide, and empower clinical teams to deliver their best
• A calm, professional presence and a friendly, can-do attitude that lifts those around you
• NZ Registered Nurse with a current practising certificate and surgical scope
• A commitment to clinical excellence, with a postgraduate qualification (completed or in progress) and PDRP Level 4 (Expert) or senior nursing PDRP (or working towards it)
• Strong clinical assessment skills, backed by a completed postgraduate paper or equivalent
• A collaborative mindset — reliable, supportive, and able to thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment

Ngā mea ka taea e mātou te tuku I a koe | What we can offer you: 

• Competitive remuneration package
• Funded health insurance
• Christmas and New Year breaks 
• Nursing Council of New Zealand approved PDRP 
• Flexible working arrangements
• Relocation allowance
• Discounts on products and services from a range of our partners
• Wellbeing programme
• Employee referral bonus scheme 
• Opportunity to be part of our Employee Rainbow Network 

Ko wai matou | Our Organisation 

Southern Cross Healthcare is driven by a clear purpose to advance the provision of quality healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our values are at the core of everything we do: 

• Care First - Care is at our heart. It’s the foundation of who we are and how we approach our mahi. Through genuine manaakitanga, we deliver a quality of care that makes healthcare more human.
• Better Together - Our strength comes from connection and collaboration – we bring together our diverse skills, perspectives, and experiences in the spirit of partnership and kotahitanga. We all play our part creating better outcomes for everyone.
• Pursue Excellence - Every day brings a new opportunity to improve, innovate, and excel. We don’t settle for ‘good enough’. We’re here to do our best work, delivering our best care for the people and communities we serve.

We combine the skills of more than 4,000 people, including 2,000 nurses and anaesthetic technicians working with more than 1,200 specialists, surgeons, anaesthetists, and allied health professionals. 

Together, we are one of the largest providers of healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand and the most trusted brand in our industry. 

Our strong ‘for purpose’ organisational ethos means we don’t merely think in financial quarters, we think in generations and the decades it takes to get there.

Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai | Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

As an organisation, we are committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing a culturally safe environment that demonstrates manaakitanga and embraces the unique perspectives and experiences of our people. 

One of our core values, Better Together, drives our aspiration to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand and welcome applications from people of all communities and backgrounds.

If you would like to discuss your specific needs and how we can support you, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@schl.co.nz for a confidential conversation. 

Haere mai, ā, mā te mahi tahi ka whai wāhi ki tētahi mea whai take, ka āwhina i ngā tāngata ki te whai oranga mā te whakaaro anō ki te tautiaki hauora 

Join us, and together, each of us can be part of something important, helping people live their best lives by reimagining healthcare. 

Click to view the position description of this role.