Allied Health Opportunities
Kia ora (hello) – are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime?
We’re looking for Allied Health Professionals to join our teams in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Critical Care ICU Allied Health Professionals
Allied health professionals play an important role in the care of patients in ICU. They work alongside doctors and nurses to provide advice on everything from medication to mobility, from communication to psychological and social support. They are important members of the team, playing a key role in improving the quality of care and patient outcomes in ICU.
We’re looking for Dietitians, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Social Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Medical Imaging Technologists (MIT), and Radiologists to fill positions in our Intensive Care Units as well as across all of our health system. Your skills are in demand right now working in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Whether you’re bringing your whānau (family) or making the journey alone we’re here to help you!
Critical care services are provided by 26 units across the country, offering a diverse range of intensive care settings including a flight retrieval service. Larger units provide cardiac trauma, neuro-paediatric, general, burns, spinal, cardiothoracic, and paediatric care, while smaller units support mixed ICU and HDU spaces for unwell children, long-term medical patients, and acute surgical patients.
Our ICU teams collaborate closely and know that working together as a team is really important for patients. We focus on providing care that involves both the patient and whānau (family).
One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the opportunity to experience nature, and outdoor adventure, with vibrant cities so close to where you live and work.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists work with ICU nurses and doctors to support patients when they are at their sickest, then help them to increase their strength as they recover. They are essential in helping patients to improve lung function, whether on life support or breathing by themselves. Once able, they will work with patients on exercises to rebuild lost muscle mass. This may range from sitting on the bedside through to walking around the ICU with assistance.
Speech & Language Therapy
Speech-Language Therapists have specialist skills to assess and manage communication and swallowing issues. They see ICU patients who present with a wide range of aetiologies, including stroke, brain injury, GBS, COPD, and critical care neuropathy.
They also contribute to the weaning plan for patients with a tracheostomy, which may include an assessment of swallowing and secretion management called a Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. They can provide specialist, individualised treatment, advice and strategies to maximise the ICU patient’s communication ability, including use of alternative communication systems and devices for ventilated patients, and valves and specialist tubes for tracheostomised patients.
They also have expertise in helping awake patients on life support communicate with the ICU staff.
They are a member of the tracheostomy review (TRAMS) team who will continue to see patients on the ward after they leave the ICU.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists have a number of safety roles in ICU. They check that medicines the patient may take at home are continued, that doses of drugs in ICU are adjusted for any kidney or liver problems, and that any potential interactions between the many medicines ICU patients may receive are avoided. They also ensure that drugs are available in the ICU when required, and are always available to provide advice on doses or alternative medications.
Social Workers
Our social work team provide emotional and practical support to patients and families during a very difficult and stressful time. They assess the patient and family's emotional and psychological well-being, provide advice and support, and help them cope with the stress and uncertainty of critical illness. They also help families navigate the healthcare system and can provide information about financial and legal issues.
Dietetics
Critical care dietitians work with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to optimise a patients nutritional care. Following a life-threatening illness or injury, there are metabolic changes that occur within the body in response to trauma. This means a patients nutritional needs will differ to that of healthy individuals. Dietitians are essential for ensuring patients receive the right amount of nutrition via a gastric feeding tube or via intravenous feeding when the gut is not functioning properly. Dietitians support patients while transitioning back to oral diet to meet their requirements for rehabilitation.
Only dietitians registered with the New Zealand Dietitians Board can work in a clinical setting in New Zealand. Please see the New Zealand Dietitians Board website for requirements of overseas trained dietitians in order to work in New Zealand.
About the roles
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Pharmacists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Pharmacists have a number of safety roles in ICU. They check that medicines the patient may take at home are continued, that doses of drugs in ICU are adjusted for any kidney or liver problems, and that any potential interactions between the many medicines ICU patients may receive are avoided.
They also ensure that drugs are available in the ICU when required, and are always available to provide advice on doses or alternative medications.
Required qualifications and experience
To work as a Pharmacist in New Zealand, you must be able to gain registration with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. A current Annual Practicing Certificate is a requirement to be employed as a pharmacist.
Australian registered Pharmacists
Pharmacists who are currently registered in Australia can register via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement route.
UK, Canada, Ireland and USA Registered
Pharmacists who are currently registered in Canada, Ireland, the UK or USA can register via the Recognised Equivalent Qualification Route.
Pharmacists registered in other countries
Pharmacists registered to practice in other countries can register via the Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualification Route.
Benefits and salary range
Ranges may vary depending on experience; please refer to the Collective Agreement which outlines salary and benefits.
Career progression opportunities include advanced clinical practice, prescribing qualifications, quality and research roles, medication safety, clinical informatics, education and training, leadership and mentoring
Support for postgraduate study may be available
Most of our workforce receive a minimum of four (4) weeks annual leave usually working a set 40 hours a week. Additional leave is provided after five (5) years and for employees who participate in on-call duties
Additional payments for those undertaking on-call
Minimum of 10 days sick leave per annum.
Other helpful links
Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand
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Physiotherapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Physiotherapists work with ICU nurses and doctors to support patients when they are at their sickest, then help them to increase their strength as they recover. They are essential in helping patients to improve lung function, whether on life support or breathing by themselves.
Once able, they will work with patients on exercises to rebuild lost muscle mass. This may range from sitting on the bedside through to walking around the ICU with assistance.
Required qualifications and experience
To work in Aotearoa, New Zealand you must be registered and hold a current Annual Practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board and be a member of Physiotherapy New Zealand
Alternative titles for Physiotherapists are:
Physio
Physical Therapist
Benefits and salary range
Salary and benefits are outlined in the Physiotherapist Collective Agreement.
Opportunities to network with other Physiotherapists within your specialty arena
Opportunities to work across different settings within rural communities and hospital-based positions
Opportunities to be involved in some exciting new service developments such as Physiotherapists as first specialist accessors for Pelvic health, Respiratory, Vestibular and Orthopaedic specialty services
Opportunities to lead and participate to service development in Emergency care services and Community/Primary care services
You will be supported in your ongoing development. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is available to progress your career and opportunities for further education and to be involved in research.
Other helpful links
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Medical Imaging Technologists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Required qualifications and experience
To work in Aotearoa, New Zealand you will require appropriate registration
Medical Imaging and Radiation Technologists need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board and have a current Annual Practicing Certificate
Solid experience of general imaging, preferably in a larger centre but this is not essential
All applicants must be able to meet the conditions of registration with the NZ Medical Radiation Technologists Board
Benefits and salary range
Salary and benefits are outlined in the collective agreement for more info
Social rostering policies
Amazing discounts from select retailers, restaurants and other businesses
We offer great coaching, mentoring and learning outcomes for all staff
Access to a plethora of internal educational courses
Regular in-house Continual Personal Development (CPD) sessions
Other helpful links
Overseas applicants – Medical Imaging Technologists will also be on the “Green List” of occupations where a skill shortage has been identified. Suitably qualified overseas applicants may be eligible for a 2-year fast-track residency visas. See here for further information and full conditions
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Social Workers are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Social workers in critical care provide emotional and practical support to patients and families during a very difficult and stressful time. They assess the patient and family's emotional and psychological well-being, provide advice and support, and help them cope with the stress and uncertainty of critical illness.
They also help families navigate the healthcare system and can provide information about financial and legal issues.
Required qualifications and experience
To work as a social worker in New Zealand, you must be able to gain registration with the Social Workers Registration Board.
If you hold an overseas social work qualification, and wish to apply to register in New Zealand, there are two pathways:
Australian qualification pathway – for social work qualifications accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) or
Overseas qualification pathway.
See the Social Workers Registration Board Overseas Qualifications Pathway for more information.
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Required qualifications and experience
To work as a Dietitian in New Zealand, you must be able to gain registration with the New Zealand Dietitians Board. A current Annual Practicing Certificate is a requirement to be employed as a Registered Dietitian. Dietitians employed in critical care, neonatal intensive care or Paediatric intensive care units generally will have at least three years’ experience working within clinical dietetics before entering into these roles and previous experience is desirable.
Australian registered Dietitians
Dietitians who have a full Accredited Practising Dietitian status with Dietitians Australia can register with the New Zealand Dietitians Board under the ‘Mutual Recognition Voluntary Relationship Charter’ (MRVRC). This applies to dietitians with full APD status who have been credentialed by the DA; that is those who have practised for at least one year and completed their provisional APD programme. You must also successfully complete the MauriOra Foundation cultural competency course prior to registration. More information can be found on the New Zealand Dietitians Board website.
Overseas trained Dietitians
If you have trained outside of New Zealand or Australia, the Dietitians Board of New Zealand requires you to complete two examinations and a cultural competency course as well as meeting additional criteria, in order to become registered to work as a dietitian in New Zealand. You can find more information about the process on the New Zealand Dietitians Board website.Benefits and salary range
Salary and benefits are outlined in the Allied Health collective agreement relevant to the union and region you are employed in. You may choose to enter into an individual agreement without the support of a union. In this instance you would likely expect an initial salary at a similar level to union members but would not be guaranteed salary increases in line with those within a union.
You may find collective agreements on the Te Whatu Ora website or by searching the PSA or APEX websites.- Opportunities to network with other dietitians within your specialty arena
- Opportunities to work across different settings within rural communities and hospital-based positions
- Opportunities to lead and participate to service development and quality improvement
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities are available and a requirement of the dietitians board.
Other helpful links
Ideal career and lifestyle match just for you
Fast track to residency as a Green List Role
Expand your skills and career somewhere different
An opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone
Move towards your passion and adventure
Webinar - Medical Imaging Technologists and Sonographers: Emigrating to New Zealand for Health Professionals
Learn about the four steps to emigration for Medical Imaging Technologists and Sonographers from the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand, and Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service.
Gavin, a radiographer who relocated from the UK, also shares why he thinks New Zealand is such a fantastic location to live and work.
Medical Imaging Technologists and Sonographers: Emigrating to New Zealand for Health Professionals
Register your Interest
Thanks for wanting to register your interest for critical care roles in New Zealand. Registering your interest means that we can discuss opportunities that suit you, your lifestyle, and your family.
