Careers in Critical Care
Critical Care is the specialist care given to patients with sudden life-threatening illness or injury, usually following an accident, operation, or infection.
Care is divided into two areas; Intensive Care Units (ICU), and High Dependency Units (HDU), until patients are well enough to return to general wards for further care from our wider teams.
Join our Critical Care teams in New Zealand - Aotearoa for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Photo location: He Puna Taimoana, Christchurch - Credit: Miles Holden
Join our Critical Care teams
We're recruiting for several roles throughout the country.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, we have 26 units nationwide that provide Critical Care services, including cardiac, trauma, neurosurgery, paediatric, general intensive care, burns, spinal, cardiothoracic, and paediatrics.
Critical Care teams work collaboratively and understand interdisciplinary working is essential for patient and whānau (family) centred care.
You may be classed as a Critical Care worker in New Zealand if you work in one of the following units:
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- Coronary Care Unit (CCU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PIC)
- Intensive Treatment Unit/Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).
Find more information about each workforce below:
Physiotherapists
Great news! Physiotherapists are eligible for a Straight to Residence visa pathway! Start looking for vacancies or learn more by applying below.
Critical Care Nurses
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora and The New Zealand Nursing Organisation have committed to achieve pay equity for all members of the nursing workforce.
Dietitians
Dietitians are in the Green List of Roles with a Straight to Residency visa pathway! Look for vacancies here to get started.
Pharmacists
Hospital, Retail and Industrial Pharmacists are in the Green List of Roles with a Straight to Residence visa pathway!
Critical Care Specialists
Physicians specialising in Critical Care, ICU Consultants. Find out more by registering with us.
Speech Therapists
Speech Language Therapists are eligible for a Straight to Residence visa pathway!
Our models of care
Patient care at the centre
Critical Care in Aotearoa, New Zealand puts the patient at the centre of their care journey.
Patient care at the centre
The team caring for the patient works together to provide a plan for recovery while involving the patient and their whānau (family) wishes in their care plans and incorporating their spiritual as well as physical health needs.
Our patient recovery journey includes input from a fabulous team of people who work in Aotearoa, New Zealand. You will require an appropriate registration.
- Intensivists (physicians specialising in intensive care, ICU Consultants)
- Registrars
- Nurses (Nurse Managers, Senior Nurses, Registered Nurses, Nurse Educators)
- Physiotherapists
- Pharmacists
- Speech Therapists
- Nutritionists
Other Services
- Patient at Risk Services / Critical Care Outreach Services
- Chaplaincy/Cultural Support
- Social Workers
- Organ donation service
Critical Care may also be known as:
ITU – Intensive Treatment Unit or Intensive Therapy Unit
CCU – Coronary Care Unit
NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
PICU – Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
ICU – Intensive Care unit
Community of care
Critical Care in Aotearoa, New Zealand has a unique requirement to support culturally safe care and integrates the Treaty of Waitangi into our practice.
Community of care
Here in New Zealand - Aotearoa we have an open, non-hierarchical team approach to improving outcomes for our critically ill patients' care. This is important for all our disciplines as we focus on delivering equitable care for our communities.
We are linked to ANZICS (Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society) where evidenced practice standards are developed, and minimum standards set.
We are fully engaged in clinical research with units participating in a number of multicentred trials.
You will be working with a group of like-minded people who are focused on the same thing and you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a community both inside and outside of work.
Roles and responsibilities
Critical Care in New Zealand has a variety of roles and responsibilities relative to the size and geographical location of the unit.
Roles and responsibilities
Critical Care has a number of tasks and responsibilities in New Zealand - Aotearoa. Depending on the size and location, our hospitals across the country offer a combination of Critical and High Dependency Care along with dedicated units focused on coronary care and paediatric intensive care.
There is a Critical Care team focus to work, with all disciplines having a valuable contribution to make to support best outcomes for patients. There are specialist roles which include educational roles, research nursing roles as well as focused Allied Health roles.
Our units are collaboratively led by both the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and Nurse Manager leading the vision for the service.
Other helpful links
Hear from our people
"The opportunities we've had in our careers have surpassed our expectations."
Wendy, an ICU educator at Dunedin Hospital talks about her move from Liverpool in the UK to Dunedin, New Zealand and the positive effect it has had on her career and family.
"You can ski and surf on the same day!"
Brad is a Consultant Emergency Physician who moved from Kansas, USA to Taranaki. Find out what made him fall in love with Aotearoa New Zealand.
"It's a real team approach. It’s not doctors ordering nurses around, we just all get together to give the patients the best care."
Critical Care Nurse Alicia talks about the collaborative approach to Critical Care and what she loves about New Zealand - Aotearoa.
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!
Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.
Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.
Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.
Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.
Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.
Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.
Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.
South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.
Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.
| Photo location: Raglan - Credit: Camilla Rutherford |
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.