Information for Overseas Nurses & Midwives seeking Employment in New Zealand
This information published by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation is to assist you in obtaining employment in New Zealand. It is also available as a Printable PDF, last updated in June 2006.
Introduction
Health Care services in New Zealand are mainly funded through Government sources, but also through private health insurers and part user charges.
They are delivered through a variety of agencies and employment may be sought in three general areas.
- Primary health services are provided by general practices, voluntary agencies, non-government organisations, Iwi, and public providers (known as District Health Boards). Some are subsidised by government.
Many midwives are employed by public hospitals. Qualified midwives may also practice as independent practitioners and many have formed into midwifery provider groups.
Independent Nurse Practitioners are very much in their infancy in this country. There are few nursing practices which offer a range of services.
- Secondary care services are mainly provided in Public Hospitals which are now called District Health Boards. They provide a range of acute/community and maternity services free to the public.
Private hospitals provide a range of usually elective procedures which will be paid for either by the user of the service, or by their insurer if they have private health insurance.
- Almost all care of the elderly is provided by the private sector.
We wish you well as you continue your nursing career in New Zealand and hope we may be of service to you in the future.
Information You Should Know
How to gain Registration in New Zealand
All nurses/midwives who are seeking employment in this country must be registered by the Nursing Council of New Zealand. Once Registration/Enrolment is approved the nurse/midwife may apply for a practising certificate, which is to be renewed annually.
Application for registration in this country should be sent to:
Nursing Council of New Zealand
PO Box 9644
Wellington
New Zealand
Phone: (04) 385 9589
Fax: (04) 801 8502
Email oseas@nursingcouncil.org.nz
Website: http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz
The Nursing Council will require evidence of education qualification, verification of registration, and references from last employer.
Nurses must also be fluent in the English language and the Nursing Council may require applicants to sit a written English test.
Cost (current as of July 2006)
| $211.00 |
Processing of application for registration
(includes Cultural Safety Information and Registration Certificate) |
| $96.00 |
Annual Practising Certificate |
Note
The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act was passed into legislation in September 2003. From March 2005 nurses have been expected to have a professional portfolio that demonstrates competence in order to obtain an Annual Practising Certificate.
NZNO has resources available to assist you with this task: http://www.nzno.org.nz/Site/Resources/Portfolios.aspx
Immigration
Full details about living and settling in New Zealand can be found at the New Zealand Immigration Services website. The address for NZIS is http://www.immigration.govt.nz.
For information about entering New Zealand as a skilled migrant please visit: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workandlivepermanently/caniworkinnz/skilledmigrantcategory/
Nursing Education
Registered nurses/midwives are educated in the tertiary sector completing a full time 3 year programme. On completion registered nurses have a degree in nursing, registered midwives a degree in midwifery.
Presently there are 18 educational institutions offering nursing programmes. Many also offer postgraduate papers for nurses seeking degree status. Master/Doctoral programmes are available from some polytechnics/universities.
NZNO's monthly journal Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand publishes regular education updates and information on courses.
Ways to find Employment
- Nursing positions are typically advertised in the daily newspapers and on the internet - see Useful Links below.
- Nurses may also contact hospitals directly to enquire about positions available.
- Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, NZNO's monthly journal advertises some positions.
Useful Websites and Links
Stuff NZ
http://www.stuff.co.nz
Newspaper: news and a link through to Job Stuff (situations vacant)
Health Employment Gazette
http://www.healthpages.co.nz
Kiwi Careers
http://www.careers.co.nz/lists/jobs/jindfrm.htm
Although aimed at school leavers it outlines the type of nursing positions available in NZ. Click on the ‘community and health’ option on the left hand column. Under specific information for each type of nursing you will usually find details on salary ranges.
Everybody
A consumer health information resource, owned and published by CMPMedica (NZ) Ltd.
http://www.everybody.co.nz
MINISTRY OF HEALTH LINKS
List of Public Hospitals
Public hospitals are run and owned by District Health Boards:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/contact-us-public-hospitals
Working as a nurse in New Zealand
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/nursing-working
District Health Board (DHB) Contact Addresses
Visit the Ministry of Health DHB contacts page and scroll down to District Health Boards
Ministry of Health and District Health Board Vacancies
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpg_index/-Job+Vacancies+and+Appointments
Internet contact details for all NZ District Health Boards
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/wpgIndex/Links-District+Health+Boards+Contents
If you have a particular location in New Zealand in mind, select the appropriate DHB. On the home page there is usually a link for ‘employment’ or ‘situations vacant’. Any current nursing positions will be listed here.
SITES FOR THOSE SEEKING POSITIONS INTHE PRIVATE SECTOR
Health Care Providers NZ
http://www.healthcareproviders.org.nz/about/about-us.htm
ElderNet
www.eldernet.co.nz
This site includes a database directory of New Zealand rest homes, residential care, retirement villages, home help, community groups, public hospitals
New Zealand Nurses Organisation
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is a professional and industrial association which represents in excess of 32,000 members who are employed as nurses, midwives, care givers and support staff in all areas of health and disability services in New Zealand.
Membership Subscriptions and Fees
Service provided to members include:
- Professional advice
- Monthly professional journal
- Indemnity insurance
- Publications include Standards of Nursing Practice, Code of Ethics
- Employment agreement negotiation
- Advocacy and support on professional matters
- Special nursing interest groups
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- An opportunity to be politically active (pro active)
- Specialist library
- Affiliation to other organisations
- Education and training through a range of seminars and educational activities
- Scholarships available for education and research
- Representation on a wide range of committees, organisations, statutory authorities etc.
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NZNO is not an employment agency.
NZNO Offices
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has a National Office in Wellington as well as 8 staffed offices throughout the country.
List of NZNO Offices with Contact Details
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Most employers require nurses to carry some form of personal professional indemnity insurance.
The professional indemnity insurance carried by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation on behalf of its members gives comprehensive cover concerning any claims of a professional nature.
Collective Agreements
Nurses in most hospitals are employed under a Collective Agreement negotiated by NZNO. If you wish to be included in the Collective Agreement you must be a member of NZNO. Membership forms may be obtained through NZNO Offices or by phone 0800-28-38-48; or email membership@nzno.org.nz.
