Theatre Nurse Leader

About   RWR Health
We specialise in connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities that genuinely align with their career goals, leadership aspirations, and preferred working environment.

We take a consultative, long-term approach—understanding what matters most to you, whether that is career progression, meaningful leadership, a supportive culture, or the chance to work within a high-performing clinical environment.
With strong relationships across New Zealand’s healthcare sector, we are proud to partner with organisations committed to delivering exceptional patient care and sustainable workplace culture.

The Opportunity
We are excited to present an opportunity for an experienced perioperative nurse leader to step into a Team Leader – Day Surgery position with one of our fantastic Partners in Dunedin.

This is an outstanding opportunity to take on a key leadership role overseeing the coordination of a busy and well-supported Day Surgery Unit, with responsibility across:
  • Theatre
  • PACU
  • CSSD
  • Admissions
This role combines hands-on clinical coordination with people leadership, ensuring the day surgery service runs safely, efficiently, and with a strong focus on exceptional patient outcomes.

Why This Role Stands Out
This is not a purely administrative leadership role.
You will be a visible clinical leader who plays a central part in the day-to-day coordination of patient flow across the surgical journey—from admission through to discharge.
In this role you will:
  • Coordinate daily patient flow across Admissions, Theatre, PACU and Discharge
  • Support safe and efficient theatre list management
  • Provide real-time escalation support during changing clinical demands
  • Lead staff allocation and workflow across perioperative areas
  • Provide break cover and hands-on clinical support when required
  • Contribute to quality improvement, accreditation readiness, and clinical safety initiatives
For someone who enjoys leadership but still values remaining clinically connected, this is a particularly rewarding opportunity.

With the  Team Leader role , you will provide leadership across the perioperative service while working closely with the Practice Manager, clinicians, anaesthetists, nursing teams and administration staff.
Key areas of responsibility include:

Clinical Coordinatio

Leadership & Team Management

Theatre & Perioperative Oversight

CSSD, Quality & Compliance

Rostering & Workforce Planning

About You
We are keen to connect with experienced perioperative nurses who are ready to step into a meaningful leadership role.
You will ideally bring:
  • Current registration as a Registered Nurse with a valid APC
  • Minimum three years Theatre/Scrub Nursing experience
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor and coordinate within a fast-paced clinical environment
  • Strong understanding of perioperative standards, clinical safety and patient flow
  • A collaborative leadership style and commitment to high-quality patient care
Oversight in PACU, CSSD, quality improvement, or previous clinical leadership will be highly regarded.

Why Consider Dunedin?
Located in the lower South Island, Dunedin offers a lifestyle that combines professional opportunity with genuine balance.
You will enjoy:
  • A strong healthcare community
  • Affordable living compared with larger centres
  • Beautiful coastline, outdoor lifestyle and easy access to Central Otago
  • A welcoming city with excellent schools, culture and community connection
For those looking to take the next step in leadership while enjoying a strong quality of life, Dunedin offers an excellent long-term opportunity.

What’s On Offer
  • A genuine clinical leadership position
  • Diverse and varied perioperative oversight
  • Strong multidisciplinary support
  • A respected private healthcare environment
  • Opportunity to influence quality, systems and service delivery
  • Long-term career growth within a progressive organisation
Referral Bonus Know someone perfect for this role?
We offer a $500 referral bonus if your referral is successful.

For a confidential discussion or to apply, contact:
Chloe Finucane – Principal Consultant (South Island)
0290 235 3292
chloef@rwrhealth.co.nz
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