Registered Nurse

Ever imagined starting your day surrounded by mighty Tōtara trees, gardens, and a calm oasis away from the busy hustling city, perhaps with a flat white in your hand?

Step inside and you’ll find more than a hospice, you’ll find a community. A café on site, a 2nd Edition boutique store, and a culture so good we won South and Southeast Auckland Employer of the Year 2024 at the 2Degrees Business Awards. Still curious? Don’t just take our word for it please watch our TV show on TV3's Hospice Heroes.

Tōtara Hospice is seeking an experienced Palliative Care Nurse to join our compassionate and collaborative team, providing holistic care to patients both in our Inpatient Unit and out in the community. You’ll support patients and their whānau through some of life’s most significant moments, delivering care that upholds dignity, comfort, and respect.

Te Mahi/The Role

• You’ll conduct comprehensive assessments to understand the unique needs of each patient and develop personalised care plans in partnership with the multidisciplinary team. Some of your responsibilities include:
• Delivering expert symptom management to ensure comfort and dignity
• Administering prescribed medications, including controlled substances, and managing infusions, oxygen therapy, and other symptom-relief measures safely
• Collaborating with wider allied health professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient management plans
• Educating patients and families on symptom management, medication use, and care techniques to promote comfort and understanding.
• Contributing to interdisciplinary team discussions and shared decision-making
• Documenting all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in electronic health records (MedTech
• Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition, escalating care when needed.
• Uphold infection prevention, medication safety, and clinical governance standards in all aspects of care.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development and reflective practice

Our approach is grounded in the Te Whare Tapa Whā framework, ensuring a collaborative, holistic model of care that allows patients to live their last years well. You’ll find joy in your work, supported by an exceptional team and robust resources.

Ngā āwhina mōu/Benefits for You

When you join Tōtara Hospice, you’ll have access and benefits to:

• A Permanent Role: Ideally 36- 40 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rotational 24/7 roster
• Award-Winning Work Culture: Be part of an organisation recognised for its outstanding commitment to its people.
• Unmatched Perks: Free parking, access to our on-site Aroha Eatery, and exclusive deals at our 2nd Edition Op Shop.
• Innovative Wellbeing Initiatives: We’re the first hospice in New Zealand to offer a 100%-unique employee insurance programme for our team. Monthly professional supervision sessions ensure your wellbeing is prioritised.
• Professional Development: Access to educational opportunities to support your PDRP journey.
• Competitive Pay: Offering generous salary packages with generous allowances.

 

Ngā pūkenga e hiahiatia/What We’re Looking

We’re looking for a very special nurse, someone with experience in oncology, haematology, or palliative care who brings compassion, curiosity, and heart to everything they do. You’re flexible, respectful, and mindful, with a genuine passion for supporting patients and families through some of life’s toughest moments. You see palliative care as a calling, not just a job, and you’re eager to keep learning, growing, and making a real impact every day. Our supportive team, including a clinical coach, will guide your development through orientation and beyond.

To be considered for this role, you’ll need:

• A current NZ Registered Nurse Annual Practicing Certificate.
• Flexibility to work on a rotational roster (Monday–Sunday, 24/7).
• A full, clean NZ driver’s licence for community-based roles (pool cars provided).
• Experience in completing comprehensive assessments.
• Experience in palliative care or chronic long-term conditions is desirable but not essential.

 

Kamapene/About the organisation | Tōtara Hospice -Making Hospice Happen

Since 1981, Tōtara Hospice has been a cornerstone of specialist palliative care for South and South-East Auckland, serving one of New Zealand's most diverse communities. Each year, we provide holistic, multidisciplinary care to over 1,100 patients and their whānau, offering services that include inpatient care, community-based support, and a 24-hour advice line—all free of charge. Our care focuses on ensuring dignity, comfort, and compassion for those with life-limiting illnesses.

We proudly embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles of every individual we serve. As part of our commitment, we foster a welcoming and supportive environment for both staff and patients, and we actively honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in our service delivery.

Our work culture reflects this inclusivity, evidenced by our place as winner in the 2024 2degrees Auckland Business Awards for "Employer of the Year," and finalists for "Sustainability Excellence," and "People’s Choice." This recognition highlights our efforts to create meaningful, innovative, and compassionate work that makes a difference.

Ngā pārongo whakauru | How to apply - Here’s how!

Whether you’re actively looking for a new role or just curious about what’s out there, this could be your perfect opportunity. Join us and see why TH isn’t your ordinary hospice – we’re extraordinary in every way! Remember to include an updated copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you want to work for Tōtara Hospice. Applications close 21 August 2026

We are not currently taking any CVs from recruitment agencies. Thank you for understanding.  

Only applicants already residing and eligible to work permanently in New Zealand will be considered for this position.

 

Tōtara Hospice as an organisation does not conscientiously object to anyone accessing their rights under the End-of-Life Choices Act that passed into law on November 7th 2021. Our focus will remain, as it always has been, on delivering to the needs of our patients and whānau.