Accreditation and Reaccreditation Manual for Practice Nurses

Introduction

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation fosters professional accountability for qualified nurses. An important component to accountabilty is the ongoing maintenance and development of professional knowledge and skills within a speciality area of nursing practice.  Accreditation is proactive and provides positive direction. It is not intended as punitive process.

The purpose of this manual is to provide infomation and guidance to applicants on accreditation and reaccreditation. Practice Nurse Accreditation was developed by NZNO practice nurses for practice nurses. The model was trialed from the period 1996 - 1998 and following extensive evaluation and reveiw was confirmed by the NZNO National Practice Section Committee in September 1998. Minor amendments and updates were endorsed by the NZ College of Practice Nurses NZNO executive in July 2001.

This manual should be read in conjunction with the

1.  New Zealand Nurses Organisation

• Social Policy Statement
• Code of Ethics
• Standards for Nursing Practice

2. NZ College of Practice Nurses NZNO

• Standards of Practice for Practice Nurses
• NZCPN Position Description (400kb PDF - download free)
• Education Policy, Standards and Career Development

All these documents are available at the NZNO National Office.

Initially the Accreditation process may seem overwhelming. However those who undertake the process find it affirming. Their advice - work on your application over a period of time.

Accreditation for Practice Nurses

New Accreditation Manual for 2007

Accreditation is the NZ College of Practice Nurses recognition that a nurse has met the College’s standards of practice for practice nurses and continues to undertake professional development.

• Reaccreditation with or without an expert endorsement occurs after 5 years.
• Application is by written portfolio following the criteria set out in the Accreditation Manual.
• Over 400 practice nurses have been accredited over the last 7 years.
• Accreditation/Reaccreditation manuals can be purchased from the NZNO National Office
• NZNO Members - $15.00
• Non NZNO Member - $25.00

Applications close last day of March and August each year, late applications will be held over until the next meeting.

Practice Nurse Accreditation

All applications and queries are to be forwarded to Angela Clark at:

The PNAB Administrator
NZNO
PO Box 8921
Symonds Street
Auckland

Ph 09 377 4946