About the role
Are you an experienced, compassionate nurse looking for a unique and rewarding opportunity?
We are seeking a highly motivated EB Nurse to join our small, dedicated and dynamic national EB nursing team, supporting the EB community across the North Island. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people of all ages living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and their families/whānau.
EB is a group of rare genetic conditions that make the skin extremely fragile, leading to painful blistering, and can cause complex health complications.
The EB Nurse role offers considerable flexibility and the opportunity to provide holistic, client-centred care across community, home and hospital settings.
You could be based in the Waikato or anywhere in the North Island that is easily accessible by road and near an airport with regular connections to other centers, so you can travel easily to other districts when required.
The position available is 0.6–0.8 FTE (24–32 hours per week), although we are open to consider all potential FTE depending on the applicant. The hourly rate is dependent on previous experience and aligned with the NZNO MECA.
Previous experience or knowledge of EB is desirable but not essential. Comprehensive mentoring and training will be provided by the existing EB nursing team.
Key responsibilities
Providing specialist EB nursing care in community, home and hospital settings
Working primarily with clients throughout the North Island, while sharing the workload with the Auckland-based Specialist EB Nurse and CNS, and Christchurch based CNS.
Travel including overnight occasionally, to visit clients at home and in their community, contributing to inpatient and outpatient hospital care, providing support and advice on clinical best practice for EB care and treatment
Supporting neonates, children and adults living with EB, as well as their families/whānau
Supporting and educating local healthcare professionals involved in the care of people living with EB, including helping them navigate where best-practice EB care differs from standard care
Advocating for people living with EB, working alongside them and their whānau to identify and address barriers to the care, services and activities that matter to them, and helping health and community organisations understand EB and respond appropriately
Working independently while being supported by three experienced EB Nurses and the Wellington based DEBRA NZ manager and admin support, with regular online team meetings and phone and email check-ins
Attending EB camps, conferences and other professional development opportunities
Working collegially with the Australian EB specialist nursing team
About you
Has NZ Nursing Registration with a current Annual Practicing Certificate
Has achieved an expert level on a professional development and recognition programme, or is working towards this level
Has experience in wound care and/or dermatology
Has experience caring for paediatric and adult clients
Has community nursing experience, including working in multicultural environments
Builds strong, respectful relationships with clients, families/whānau and healthcare professionals
Is committed to providing a holistic, client-focused service
Willing to listen to and learn from people living with EB, recognising their extensive knowledge of their own individual condition, care routines and what works for them
Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Works confidently and independently, demonstrating initiative, lateral thinking and sound problem-solving skills
Takes accountability for their actions and clinical decision-making
Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a small, highly committed specialist team
Has considerable flexibility and a willingness to travel, including occasional overnight travel
Holds a full New Zealand driver's licence and has access to a vehicle
About us
DEBRA NZ's national community-based Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Nursing Service is a small and very highly regarded team of EB Specialist Nurses supporting people living with EB throughout New Zealand.
About 200 New Zealanders live with some form of EB.
See https://www.debra.org.nz/ for more information on DEBRA NZ and EB.
Please contact Anna Kemble Welch at DEBRA NZ, +64 27 2717 084 or email [email protected] if you have any questions about the role.