Registered Nurse – Occupational Health, Palmerston North: Fixed Term Fulltime (until 30 June 2026)
As part of our occupational health team, you will be supporting and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of our kaimahi/staff and helping them to thrive at work.
You will be able to make a difference in the lives of our kaimahi, ensuring they are protected and achieve the best health outcomes, which supports our hospital delivery, health targets and community at large.
This position is a fixed term currently whilst we move through a change process but there may be opportunities without our permanent structure for a similar 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
The role is located in our Occupational Health & Wellbeing Unit at Palmerston North Hospital but provides support across the district – Whanganui, Taranaki and Mid Central. Our team consists of a multi-disciplinary team of dedicated health professionals, including regular support from an Occupational Physician. The role entails:
Leading, reporting on, and monitoring designated Occupational Health projects, both across the organisation and within business units
Facilitates health risk assessments and oversees staff health monitoring in relation to identified workplace hazards
Supports and delivers moving and handling education in collaboration with our Moving and Handling Coordinator
Ensures effective rehabilitation and return to work processes are implemented for work injuries, non work injuries and illness of staff
Is actively involved in the promotion of staff health, injury prevention and wellbeing initiatives
Completes health screening and makes referrals for further assessment as required
Ensures the effective implementation of Te Whatu Ora's worker vaccination programme
Actively contributes towards a positive and collaborative team working environment
The role will be 40 hours per week.
About the Team/Service/ Location
You will be part of a welcoming and supportive local, regional and national occupational health team, who are transitioning through change into a new occupational health structure.
You will have readily available support from an Occupational Physician and the national programme leads for Infectious disease, health risk, workforce development, injury management and moving and handling.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral (MidCentral) is part of Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora and provides healthcare services to over 180,000 people across the Manawatū, Horowhenua and Tararua regions. With a large hospital campus in Palmerston North, it also provides key health care and support services to neighbouring communities. Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.
For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here
About you
You will be a registered health professional in New Zealand with a current practicing certificate
You will have experience in occupational health and safety practice, as well as knowledge of injury prevention and return to work methodology, moving and handling principles and education and health risk management principles.
You will have at least three years of experience as a minimum and a post graduate qualifications in occupational health is desired but not essential.
You will have strong work organisation and prioritisation skills including the ability to adapt to workflows and service priorities.
You will be able to work effectively within the complexities of the multi-disciplinary environment and establish relationships quickly to support outcomes.
You will have a professional approach to relationships and decision making and be able to problem solve creatively to deliver the best support to our kaimahi.
You will be passionate about occupational health and about supporting health care staff to deliver quality services whilst maintain their health and wellness.
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 the advertised date.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Marissa Cope, Interim Occupational Health & Wellbeing Manager, Taranaki/Whanganui/MidCentral District (email:
[email protected])
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
