Department of Corrections

Graduate Registered Nurse (Supported First Year of Practice Programme 2027)

Ngā kawenga | About the role

Start your nursing career in one of New Zealand's most unique healthcare environments.

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is seeking Graduate Registered Nurses to join our Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP) Programme and provide person-centred healthcare within correctional facilities across Aotearoa.

Working alongside experienced health professionals, you'll deliver primary and mental health care while developing strong clinical assessment, decision-making, and communication skills. These are 12-month fixed-term positions (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) using the Registered Nurse job description, with start dates from December 2026 or January 2027 ahead of programme commencement in February 2027.

As a graduate nurse with Corrections Health Services (Pae Ora), you will be supported through a structured 12-month Supported First Year of Practice programme that combines a two-day foundation workshop, dedicated learning time, clinical preceptorship, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development. Designed specifically for the custodial health environment, the programme will help you build confidence, clinical judgement, ethical decision-making, and professional identity while progressing from orientation to autonomous practice. Through practical learning, real-world scenarios, career development opportunities, and support from experienced nurses, you will develop the skills needed to provide safe, person-centred healthcare in one of New Zealand's most unique and rewarding nursing settings.

The programme includes:

• Structured SFYP support and professional development
• Clinical preceptorship and reflective practice
• Dedicated learning time throughout the year

Locations

We are recruiting for 18 SFYP graduate nursing positions across nine regions nationwide. Applicants are encouraged to indicate up to three preferred regions in their cover letter. A regional map and comprehensive list of prison sites are included in the supporting information accompanying this advertisement, together with the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You'll be completing, or have recently completed, a New Zealand-recognised Bachelor of Nursing qualification and be eligible for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

We're looking for graduates who:

• Are eligible to obtain an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) following state final exams in November 2026
• Can complete a PDRP paper in this first year
• Communicate effectively and build positive relationships
• Demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and sound judgement
• Work well in multidisciplinary teams
• Are committed to equitable, person-centred healthcare
• Want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives

At Ara Poutama Aotearoa, we recognise the unique strengths, perspectives, and leadership Māori bring to our kaupapa and the communities we serve. Guided by our whakataukī, "Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi" (there is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people), we are committed to creating lasting positive change for whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities across Aotearoa.

Through our Hōkai Rangi strategy, we are working alongside Māori to address the overrepresentation of Māori in the corrections system and to build a more responsive, fair, and effective organisation. We know that achieving this vision requires Māori voices, lived experience, mātauranga Māori, and cultural leadership at all levels of our workforce.

If you are passionate about strengthening whānau wellbeing, supporting positive change, and contributing to safer communities, we encourage you to bring your skills, experiences, and identity to Ara Poutama Aotearoa. Your whakaaro, whakapapa, and connection to community are valued here, and together we can help create brighter futures for the people we work with and the generations that follow.

Ngā painga | The benefits

• Structured and supportive transition into nursing practice
• Dedicated graduate development and preceptor support
• Diverse and rewarding clinical experiences
• Opportunities to strengthen assessment and decision-making skills
• A meaningful career contributing to healthier communities

Salary: $77,289 per annum.

Tono ināianei | Apply now
Applications close: 11pm Sunday, 27 September 2026

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, please submit:

• A tailored CV/Resume - This MUST include 2nd and 3rd Year placements
• A Cover Letter outlining:
  • Your motivation for joining Ara Poutama Aotearoa
  • Alignment with our values and purpose
  • Indicate in your cover letter your first, second, and third preferred regions for placement consideration

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email sarah.rostron@corrections.govt.nz