Nurse Practitioner - Scope of Practice

Nurse Practitioners are expert nurses who work within a specific area of practice incorporating advanced knowledge and skills. They practise both independently and in collaboration with other health care professionals to promote health, prevent disease and to diagnose, assess and manage people’s health needs. They provide a wide range of assessment and treatment interventions, including differential diagnoses, ordering, conducting and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests, and administering therapies for the management of potential or actual health needs. They work in partnership with individuals, families, whanau and communities across a range of settings. Nurse Practitioners may choose to prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice. Nurse Practitioners also demonstrate leadership as consultants, educators, managers and researchers, and actively participate in professional activities, and in local and national policy development.

The Nursing Council competencies for Nurse Practitioners describe the skills, knowledge and activities of Nurse Practitioners.

Click here for the competencies for the Nurse Practitioner scope of practice.

Click here for the Revised Nurse Practitioner Guidelines.

Nurse Practitioners can be authorised to prescribe under the Medicines (Designated Prescriber: Nurse Practitioners) Regulations 2005, and the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2005. Click here for further information.

Qualifications

a) Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand in the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice

AND

b) A minimum of four years of experience in a specific area of practice

AND

c) Successful completion of a clinically focused Masters Degree programme approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, or equivalent qualification

AND

d) A pass in a Nursing Council assessment of Nurse Practitioner competencies and criteria. Nurse Practitioners seeking registration with prescribing rights are required to have an additional qualification

e) Successful completion of an approved prescribing component of the clinically-focused master's programme relevant to their specific area of practice.