Nursing at MidCentral

Nurses at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ MidCentral are leaders in the health care process; they aspire to excellence in patient care and nursing practice.

  • The education framework for nursing addresses the education needs of Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral nurses in acute and specialist services, in order to support the development of a collaborative, skilled workforce. It continues the plan to support substantial improvement in the quality of nurses' clinical practice at all levels of assessment and intervention, and to provide a platform for the development of practice innovation. Patients will be the most significant beneficiaries of the developments, which are underpinned and guided by the nursing education framework.

  • Nurses are encouraged to develop expertise in holistic care and specialty practice.

  • If you hold current registration in a country other than Australia and meet the Nursing Council registration standards, you may apply to practise in New Zealand.

    Internationally qualified nurses who meet Nursing Council standards may apply to become registered to practice in New Zealand.

  • A partnership approach with preceptors, mentors, Charge Nurses, Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Managers, a supportive practice environment and learning culture nurture the aspirations of each nurse.

  • Development is an active process, framed around the professional development and recognition programme levels of practice. Scholarship activities in practice are linked to the Professional Development and Recognition Programme, enabling progression through the levels of practice, providing evidence of competence in practice, and assuring the quality of service provision.

  • Scholarship in practice in its various forms is essential to excellence and nurses achieving their aspirations.

Nurse Entry to Practice (NETP) Programme

Kia ora 3rd year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students. There are NETP nurse vacancies available for graduate RNs in the MidCentral rohe (region).

On completion of NETP, you will meet the competencies and standards of practice at competent level on the MidCentral Professional Development and Recognition programme (PDRP). You are supported with your career progression, and should you choose to commence a post-graduate study pathway in your second year of practice, you are prioritised to receive funding.

Contact Details
For further information about the MidCentral NETP programme please contact: netp@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

  • We have vacancies for graduate RNs in a range of settings. You will work in partnership with patients and their families/whānau using nursing knowledge, clinical judgement and professional attributes to assess health needs, provide care, and support people to manage their health. Participation in the Nursing Council of New Zealand–accredited MidCentral NETP Programme is pivotal in resourcing you to develop nursing competency. Programme information can be found in the NETP Programme Learning Framework and Handbook.

  • You will be part of an inclusive and diverse pro-equity workplace. Central to this role is the clinical team and you will be supported to complete your first year of practice by the entire healthcare whānau at MidCentral. Individualised support is offered by your Preceptor, Kaiwhakaako Tapuhi Nurse Educator, Kaiwhakahaere Tapuhi Charge Nurse and the Kaiwhakaako Tapuhi Nurse Educator NETP.

  • MidCentral welcomes BN graduate nurses from around Aotearoa New Zealand who have completed and passed their New Zealand State Final examinations. Numbers are dependent on vacancies within clinical areas. We consider each nursing vacancy as it arises for its suitability as a NETP nurse position – see past employment information here. Graduate RNs who wish to apply to the MidCentral NETP Programme do so via the ACE Nursing Website. Recruitment occurs each midyear and end of year.

  • Participation in the MidCentral NETP Programme is an exciting opportunity to transition your nursing practice from student to competent RN, in a supported, engaging, dynamic environment. We promise that no two days will ever be the same! NETP is a key part of MidCentral’s philosophy of "growing our own" and retaining you through continuing education and ongoing career development. Programme design is based on international nursing research and provides a learning environment that allows you to focus on assimilating your undergraduate learning and experience into your RN practice. Developing the habit of reflective practice is a key programme philosophy, and you will participate in group professional supervision.

Entry to Specialist Practice (ESP) Programme - Mental Health

This programme is for new graduate and registered nurses entering mental health and addiction nursing. The programme combines theory, supported clinical experience, clinical preceptorship and supervision. Nurses on the New Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP): mental health and addiction nursing programme develop their professional practice and mental health and addiction nursing skills. Nurses receive a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Nursing.

New graduates or nurses new to mental health and addiction, employed by a Te Whatu Ora service or NGO mental health and addiction service, or in a mental health role in a PHO, can apply for this programme.

Visit the Te Pou website www.tepou.co.nz and view the information about New Entry to Specialist Practice Mental Health & Addiction Nursing

Health Workforce (HWNZ) postgraduate funding for Registered Nurses

Each year HWNZ provides funding to support registered nurses across the rohe to undertake post graduate nursing studies. 

Nurses can apply for papers that build towards a postgraduate qualification such as a Postgraduate Certificate (60 pts), Postgraduate Diploma (120 pts) or Masters degree (180 and 240 pts). On this page you will find the information you need to apply for funding and support to undertake this study. Please note that, due to funding constraints, Clinical Release time is not able to be funded in 2022.

Applications open on the first Friday in September
The HWNZ Administrator (hwnz@midcentraldhb.govt.nz) will email the application form to all nurses on this date. This application will be for the entire  academic year (i.e. Summer School, Semester 1 and Semester 2). Applications close on the last Friday in October.

  • Attend the Post Graduate Nursing Roadshow and identify your preferred Tertiary Education Provider.

    Complete your Career Plan in discussion with your Professional Lead.

    Use the Four Steps to Career Planning to help you identify the goals, activities, timelines and resources you need to achieve your career plan.

    Career planning helps identify whether your current role requires this level of preparation.

  • Māori, Pacific and Aged Care applicants will be prioritised. Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral applicants need to have a current PDRP and career plan.

    Competent RNs may be funded to PG certificate level (2 papers).

    Proficient RNs, including ACNs and Specialty Clinical Nurses may be funded to PG diploma level (4 papers).

    Expert RNs may be funded to PG diploma (4 papers) based on service specifications/role.

    A nurse on a NP pathway will be funded to Masters level based on service specifications.

    Senior Nurses who are required to have a Master’s degree for their role will be prioritized for funding.

    No clinical release time is funded : nurses on the Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral MECA have access to 32 hours per calendar year (pro-rated for part time employees) of professional development leave.

    Primary, Community, Iwi provider and Aged and Residential Care
    Applicants to have professional development and career conversation with Nurse Lead.

  • Cultural Support funding is open to any person who has whakapapa and cultural links to whānau, hapū and iwi (for Māori) or is of Pacific Peoples descent and has established cultural links to the Pacific Peoples' communities.

    Additional information can be found here:

    Cultural supervision/mentoring and resources to support Māori RNs

    Cultural supervision/mentoring and resources to support Pacific RNs

  • PDRP is fundamental to the commitment we have to Nursing workforce development as it supports nurses to articulate their practice. This is key to identifying nurses’ unique contribution as part of the healthcare team. All HHS applicants are required to be progressing or maintaining PDRP at the appropriate level including a current Performance Review and discussion with manager to ensure the choice of postgraduate papers is appropriate to scope, level of practice, and role.

    Primary/ARC participants will be accepted without a current PDRP with the recommendation that they will the applicable level within the year of study.

Nursing Students

3rd year Nursing Students 
Graduate nurses interested in a rewarding career working in general and mental health practice areas at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral, are welcome to apply using the ACE Nursing website.

Nursing Education 
Clinical learning is an important part of nursing education and the New Zealand Nursing Council requires that the student nurse undertake a minimum of 1100 clinical practice hours. Practice experiences are designed to focus on the learning needs of the student nurse and enable them to undertake nursing care with people in any context.

Nursing Practice Development identifies and coordinates all student nurse placements and also makes certain that all compliance and contractual requirements are met prior to placement accommodation.

Parking and other services
Hospital map Information about parking. There is generally plenty of parking at Palmerston North Hospital. Once you receive your parking receipt/ticket take this to the Wilson’s Parking Office or booth along with your student ID so you can receive a discounted parking fee. 

Computer Log Ins and ID Badges will be provided by your tertiary education provider.

The Hospital Chapel is open all day, every day and services are advertised on the board outside. 

Contact us
Administrator, Nursing Practice Development
Kahikatea House | Gate 13 Ruahine Street | Palmerston North Hospital
Te Whatu Ora MidCentral, PO Box 2056, Heretaunga Street, Palmerston North 4440
Ph: (06) 350 9147 - Email: nursing.students@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Health Care Nursing Standards of Practice

Information and resources about Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Health Care Nursing Standards of Practice.

The Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Health Care Nursing Standards of Practice have been developed as part of a joint venture between Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral, the New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) and the New Zealand College of Primary Health Care Nurses (the college). 

In Aotearoa, PHC is a philosophy and approach that is integral to improving the health of all New Zealanders and the effectiveness of health-care service delivery (Clendon and Munns, 2019). The term “primary health care nursing” refers to the practice of nurses who provide care in the community in a variety of roles and settings. These standards are intended to support and guide PHC nurses by clearly articulating the standards of practice for the specialty and outlining a career pathway in PHC nursing. 

The Aotearoa New Zealand Primary Health Care Nursing Standards of Practice are available for download.

Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP)

The Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is a clinically focused competency-based programme for nurses.

It is a national programme, endorsed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation. While PDRPs have to comply with both the National Framework for PDRPs (2017) and the NCNZ Framework for Approval of PDRPs organisations are able to adapt their PDRP to include specific requirements. Capital & Coast, Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral and Whanganui have aligned their PDRPs to meet the frameworks. All Te Whatu Ora, Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral employed enrolled nurses (ENs) and registered nurses (RNs) are expected to have a PDRP portfolio. For nurses employed in the primary sector it is also highly recommended. 

For clarification or queries, please contact:
Jenna Barugh
waea: +64 06 350 9146
īmēra: Jenna.Barugh@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

Nursing Vacancies
REGISTERED NURSE, CLINICAL TRIALS
REGISTERED NURSE, CLINICAL TRIALS

This role offers the opportunity to be involved in the cancer treatment development process through Clinical Trials. The role will involve patient recruitment to Clinical Trials, staff and patient education, patient assessments, investigations, clinical nursing, administering investigational drugs (including chemotherapy) or treatment modalities, data collection and reporting as well and ongoing study coordination of the Clinical Trials. The successful applicant will work closely with patients and the multidisciplinary team and external sponsors.

REGISTERED NURSE, INTEGRATED OPERATIONS CENTRE/STAFF BUREAU
REGISTERED NURSE, INTEGRATED OPERATIONS CENTRE/STAFF BUREAU

Registered Nurse – Exciting Times!

Are you looking for an exciting change in nursing that challenges you? Do you have excellent clinical skills and a positive attitude?

We are looking for experienced, quick thinking, and dynamic registered nurses to join our team. We have permanent and casual positions available within a variety of nursing specialities. Let us help you find your passion.

SPECIALITY CLINICAL NURSE, PATIENT AT RISK
SPECIALITY CLINICAL NURSE, PATIENT AT RISK

The Patient at Risk Specialty Clinical Nurse will work across the continuum of care, enhancing the point of care for the patient at risk in the ward setting, ensuring care is coordinated, comprehensive and informed by advanced specialist knowledge. The Patient at Risk Clinical Specialty Nurse has expert generic nursing knowledge across the age spectrum with a developed expertise in the assessment and recognition of the deteriorating patient. This nursing knowledge will enable the ongoing expert nursing assessment of patients, early detection of deterioration and evaluation of care, and the coordination of resources to enable early, appropriate, and safe intervention.

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Midwifery at MidCentral