Candidate Timeline
Download
12-24 months pre NP Training (practicum)
- What is a Mātanga tapuhi/ NP?
Mātanga tapuhi/Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are expert clinical nurses who have completed Master’s education and advanced clinical training. Registered in the Mātanga tapuhi/NP scope of practice, they assess, diagnose, order laboratory and radiologic diagnostic testing, develop treatment plans and are authorised to prescribe medications.
What is an NP https://www.pegasus.health.nz/presentation
- How does an Mātanga tapuhi/ NP differ from a CNS?
CNS are registered nurses (RN) and must adhere to the RN scope of practice, with or without prescribing. Registered nurse (nursingcouncil.org.nz)
NPs are in the nurse practitioner scope which involves a different set of competencies including assess, diagnose, order laboratory and radiologic diagnostic testing, develop treatment plans, and are authorised to prescribe medications Nurse practitioner (nursingcouncil.org.nz)
- How do I become an mātanga tapuhi/NP?
NP training can be done through an NPTP programme OR through a University Master’s programme (if you take this route, then ensure you speak with the Dean of the Nursing Faculty to ensure your papers meet the required NP competencies).
Have completed a minimum of 3 years' equivalent full-time practice within the last five years, with at least one of the three years in full-time practice (0.8FTE or higher) in Aotearoa NZ and in the area of practice that the NP will be employed
Have completed the prerequisite courses including advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, and preferably with a B grade average or above (including any required grades for specific courses)
Be an Aotearoa NZ citizen or hold an Aotearoa NZ Permanent Resident Visa
Be an RN with a current Aotearoa NZ practising certificate and be in good standing with the Nursing Council of Aotearoa NZ
Have identified a clinical supervisor (NP or senior doctor) who is willing to mentor the attainment of the advanced skills and competencies required for NP practice
Be educationally prepared to complete the masters programme at the end of the practicum year or have already completed a master’s programme (Please verify your eligibility for masters completion with the university you are applying to complete the NPTP.)
Provide their employer's signed declaration of support on letterhead to allow clinical release time and study days and hire them into an NP role (minimum of 0.6FTE) once registered
- As an RN what further skills and knowledge do I need to work as an Mātanga tapuhi/NP?
Become familiar with the NCNZ Mātanga tapuhi/NP competencies and application requirements for the Mātanga tapuhi/NP scope
- What will my area of practice and population look like? With whom do I discuss this?
Mātanga tapuhi/NP work across all practice settings now. Check this on Nurse practitioner (nursingcouncil.org.nz)
Discuss with your organisational nurse leader
Contact NPNZ or the College to ask for find a support person
The priority areas for developing the NP workforce include primary health care, community and residential settings, mental health and addiction, Māori health, Pacific health, populations with high health need, rural and hard-to-reach areas, and communities with high deprivation.
- How do I know if I’m practice ready to take this step? Who do I discuss this with?
Note: this year spend time with NPs in practice and networking; Link with local NP networks
- What should I discuss with my manager?
Ask questions such as:
- Will the organisation support my candidature?
- How do I get workplace support for study and practicums?
- Will my workplace have a role for me at the end of the Mātanga tapuhi/NP training?
- How do I select a clinical supervisor /mentor?
- How access time to spend with an NP in this prep year so I can understand their practise?
- What if my workplace does not support me?
Be clear where you want to work, then start to look into other places / organisations
Persistence, networking
What are the priority Mātanga tapuhi/NP spaces? Check the NP training funding pages on the MoH website
Look for internship ads.
6-12 months pre NP Training
What will it cost?
The Ministry of Health now funds the NP training year as a national programme each year.
How did you organise funding for your NP training year?
How did you organise NP training year Funding?
| Funding to support NP training year | Amount per trainee per year |
|---|---|
| 500 hours of clinical release time | $15,000 |
| clinical supervision allowance at the main placement | $5,600 |
| Study day release time to attend a minimum of 12 study days/year | $3,000 |
| Course fees for 60 credits | Fully paid (fees vary per university) |
| Travel and accommodation to study days and to secondary placement experience | Discretionary contribution, depending on trainee's location. |
3-6 months pre NP Training
What support did you need from your family / whanau?
What support did you need from your family / whanau?
Note this year spend time with NPs in practice and networking; Link with local NP networks
First year as an NP: Consolidation and transition
0-12 Months
- Remember imposter syndrome/ organisational socialisation in role transition
- Transition and role confusion
- Making sure your manager/ clinical supervisor introduce you to the whole team. It is important they convey the importance of your role and that it is seen to be valued.
- Keep connected with support systems
- Link with NPNZ and local Mātanga tapuhi/NP networks
RN-NP Transition Imposter phenomenon post NP training year
Was it worth it? Post NP training year
Was it worth it? Post NP training year