Registered Nurse - Scope of Practice

Registered Nurses utilise nursing knowledge and complex nursing judgement 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 and Nurse Assistants. They provide comprehensive nursing assessments to develop, implement and evaluate an integrated plan of health care, and provide nursing interventions that require substantial scientific and professional knowledge and skills. 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. There will be conditions placed on 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. Click here for competencies for the Registered Nurse scope of practice.

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 (where applicable) AND

b) An international qualification that is, in the Council's assessment, equivalent to a New Zealand qualification

c) Successful completion of a programme approved by the Nursing Council for the purpose of assessing Competencies for Registered Nurses

AND/OR

d) A pass in an assessment of the Nursing Council Competencies for Registered Nurses by an approved provider.