Who got that job?

Job title: Chief executive, Waipuna Hospice.

There Is nothing morbid about being chief executive of a hospice, says Jill Elmes, although she admits that people working in the field cannot distance themselves from the "reality of the work" - helping the dying.

The compassion of staff and the day-to-day input of 160 committed volunteers, patients and their families creates a warm atmosphere in which to work.

"You have contact with a diverse range of people.

"The nurses have such a high level of professionalism.

"The volunteers are wonderful people, and give so much in so many ways: supporting patients in homes, assisting with fundraising, doing administration, gardening, housekeeping ... "

The hospice has six inpatient beds and more than 180 terminally ill patients on its books who are being cared for in their homes.

Elmes, 45, has little to do with patients, but the hospice's unique position as part state health system and part voluntary service gives her a diverse role.

"It's a great mix," she says.

The hospice is half-funded by the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, with the rest of its running costs covered by donations and fundraising.

Marketing is a large aspect of Elmes' role - "selling the service to the community in terms of their support. We are dependent on our community".

Gisborne-born Elmes trained as a registered nurse, but has not tramped the wards in a long time.

She followed her nursing training in Hamilton with work in Wellington, and then gained a social sciences degree and a masters in nursing from the University of Waikato.

She spent the last six years as the surgical manager for Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals.

More than 30 people applied for the job.