This notice, pursuant to sections 11(1) and 12(1) of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 ("the Act"), is the Notice of Scope of Practice and Related Qualifications Prescribed by the Nursing Council for Registered Nurses (2010) and comes into force on 30 September 2010.
"1. Scope of Practice - Registered Nurses
The scope of practice for registered nurses and related qualifications, published in the Supplement to the New Zealand Gazette, 15 September 2004, No. 120, at page 2958, are revoked by this notice under sections 11, 12 and 14 of the Act.
Registered nurses utilise nursing knowledge and complex nursing judgment to assess health needs and provide care, and to advise and support people to manage their health. They practise independently and in collaboration with other health professionals, perform general nursing functions and delegate to and direct enrolled nurses, healthcare assistants and others. They provide comprehensive assessments to develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated plan of health care, and provide interventions that require substantial scientific and professional knowledge, skills and clinical decision making. This occurs in a range of settings in partnership with individuals, families, whanau and communities. Registered nurses may practise in a variety of clinical contexts depending on their educational preparation and practice experience. Registered nurses may also use this expertise to manage, teach, evaluate and research nursing practice. Registered nurses are accountable for ensuring all health services they provide are consistent with their education and assessed competence, meet legislative requirements and are supported by appropriate standards. There will be conditions placed in the scope of practice of some registered nurses according to their qualifications or experience limiting them to a specific area of practice.
The Nursing Council competencies for Registered Nurses describe the skills and activities of registered nurses.
Qualifications
New Zealand Graduates
a) A Bachelor degree in nursing (or an equivalent qualification) approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, AND
b) A pass in an assessment of Nursing Council Competencies for Registered Nurses by an approved provider, AND
c) A pass in an Examination for Registered Nurses.
Registered Nurses from Overseas
a) Registration with an overseas regulatory authority, AND
b) An equivalent international qualification, AND
c) At the direction of the Nursing Council, a pass in an assessment of the Nursing Council competencies for Registered Nurses by an approved provider, AND/OR
d) Successful completion of a Nursing Council approved competence assessment programme."
Dated at Wellington this 23rd day of August 2010.
CAROLYN REED, Registrar, Nursing Council of New Zealand.