Nursing Officer
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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsFew nursing careers offer this level of variety. Learn to be a leader and gain outdoor, adventure and soldiering skills.
- ServiceArmy
- SpecialisationMedical and Health
- LocationVarious
- Starting Salary$71,383
About the role
As a Nursing Officer, you will work in a variety of practice areas both at home and away. These areas include primary health care, perioperative, high dependency, surgical and emergency nursing. Flexibility of practice is a key component of nursing in the Defence Force due to the types of military operations you may be required to support.
The Army provide the tools to enable Nursing Officers to achieve this flexibility through training, education, supervision and mentoring.
If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz
Job on base
Nursing Officers are located in all military camps and bases around New Zealand with the majority of medical personnel posted to the Manawatu region. Nursing Officers are expected to conduct a range of duties including clinical practice, military skills maintenance, leadership and administration.
They will work in a variety of team based settings whether that is a multidisciplinary health team or alongside military personnel from other trades. As an Officer it is also expected that you can work independently without supervision in activities such as resource management, personnel administration, and planning training.
Job on deployment
Nursing Officers not only contribute to the operational readiness of service personnel by supporting exercises, but frequently deploy overseas themselves.
As a Nursing Officer, you will have the opportunity to deploy wherever the NZ Defence Force goes, both on operational deployments and humanitarian aid or disaster relief missions. Few nursing careers offer this level of variety.
Career progression and training
Career Progression
Basic Training
Job Training
Ongoing Training
There are many opportunities for advancement into management areas as your experience increases. You will also have the opportunity to post to different bases around New Zealand to broaden your knowledge of military nursing.
Officer Cadet School
(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp
Initial training begins in early January. Attendees at this training will be a mixture of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.
The training will be split into three modules and attendance at Modules One, Two and Three is required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same year or in consecutive years.
2022 dates
Module One: 9 January - 4 February
Module Two: 4 February - 4 March
Module Three: 13 March - 9 April
Training covers:
- NZ Army Ethos and Values
- Self-leadership
- Physical Training
- Basic field-craft
- Military Unarmed Combat
- Weapon handling
- Navigation
- Battle-craft
- Radio telephone procedure
- Weapon handling
- Drill
- NZ Army tactics
- Leadership
There are opportunities to further your professional development and tertiary study. After initial employment and training, the NZ Army will provide funding for Nursing Officers to undertake further education with approved courses of study that are pertinent to their professional roles.
There is an expectation that Nursing Officers will achieve the necessary competencies to practice safely in more than one specialist area of practice, e.g. primary health care and emergency nursing or perioperative nursing and infection control.
You will also be further developed in military skills of leadership and planning.
Salary and benefits
Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
$71,383
Registered Graduate
$128,992
Higher Rank
Military Factor
All full time members of the NZ Defence Force receive an added portion to their salary known as Military Factor. This additional compensation recognises the unique nature of military service and the commitment you make to serve your country. This can include short notice postings around the country and overseas. You will be directed at times to be continuously alert, undertake arduous and hazardous duties, and be exposed to adverse working environments exclusive to military life. This also includes the exercise of military skills not recognised by market comparisons. The part you play in our Defence Force and your commitment to our country will be financially rewarded.
Free and subsidised medical and dental care
Access to subsidised equipment on base
Subsidised food on base
Competitive superannuation, up to 4% with KiwiSaver
Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness and Medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be at least 17 years of age.
- Registered Nurse holding a current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate.
- Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.
- Registered Nurse holding a current Nursing Council of New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate
- Ideally, two years post registration experience in one of the following practice areas*
- perioperative,
- high dependency,
- surgical, or
- emergency nursing.
*Alternatives can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- You must be medically fit for service.
- Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
There may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.
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