- We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Specialist with exceptional communication and leadership skills
- Join highly skilled multidisciplinary teams to make a real difference in tissue donation services
- Exciting opportunity to contribute to the development and delivery of a specialised service
- 1.0 FTE Permanent
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.
Every year, tissue donation transforms lives — restoring sight, improving quality of life, and offering hope to countless people and their whānau. As a Tissue Donor Coordinator – Nurse Specialist, you will be at the heart of this vital process, guiding whānau through compassionate conversations, ensuring the highest standards of care, and working closely with specialist teams to ensure every donation makes a difference.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Registered Nurse to take on the role of Tissue Donor Coordinator – Nurse Specialist. This unique and rewarding position involves coordinating and managing tissue donations from deceased donors, working closely with whānau, healthcare professionals, tissue banks, and other key services.
In this role, you will provide expert advice on tissue donation, lead consent discussions with whānau in a culturally safe and person-centred manner and ensure all aspects of the donation process meet the highest clinical, ethical, and legal standards. This includes donor assessment, coordination with coronial and forensic services, and liaison with the NZ National Eye Bank and NZ Blood Service tissue banks.
You will also play a key role in education, service development, and quality improvement initiatives, including training healthcare professionals, maintaining detailed donor records, and contributing to audits and research.
For further details, please refer to the position description here.
About You
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing (or equivalent) and a current NZ Annual Practising Certificate
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant clinical experience (e.g. ICU, Operating Theatre, Ophthalmology, or related specialty)
- Advanced clinical decision-making skills and the ability to work autonomously
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with advanced cultural safety capabilities
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to bicultural practice
Desired skills and experience:
- Leadership and teaching/training experience
- Knowledge and skills in bereavement care and whānau support
- Specialist knowledge in ophthalmology, ICU, and/or theatre nursing
This is a rare opportunity to use your advanced nursing skills in a highly specialised role that makes a lasting difference for recipients, their whānau, and the community.
For more information about this role please contact Megan Marshall – Nurse Director, via mconnolly@adhb.govt.nz
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 5th September 25 using reference number ADHB23206 If you have any questions about the role, please contact Candida Hall at candida.hall@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.