New Zealand has 69,000 nurses with practising certificates as of March 2023, with internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) making up 36% of the workforce.
Between June 2023 and June 2024, 85% of the 16,606 new nurses added to the Nursing Council’s register were from overseas. If you are an internationally qualified nurse wanting to work in New Zealand, the Nursing Council has a simple process to help you meet the registration requirements. The steps below outline what you need to do.
For Australian Nurses:
If you’re a registered nurse in Australia with a valid practising certificate and want to register in New Zealand, click [here].
For All Other Internationally Qualified Nurses:
The Nursing Council follows these steps:
Step 1: Document Verification through CGFNS
Before applying, you need to verify your documents with CGFNS, which include:
- Proof of identity
- Registration details from the last 10 years
- Nursing qualification equivalent to New Zealand standards
- English language proficiency
- At least 1,800 hours of post-registration nursing experience
Step 2: Apply for Registration
Once your documents are verified by CGFNS, you can apply to the Nursing Council and complete the following steps:
- Complete Online Courses: All nurses must take two free online courses about culturally safe nursing practices in New Zealand.
- Fitness to Practise Checks: Nurses need to pass a criminal history check.
Competence Assessment: Some nurses may be required to undergo a competence assessment. Use the self-assessment tool to determine if this applies to you.
Competence Assessment Process
Some internationally qualified nurses must pass a competence assessment that includes two main parts:
1. IQN Theoretical Examination
This is an online multiple-choice exam that tests your nursing knowledge. You’ll complete 120 questions in 180 minutes. The exam has two parts:
- Part A: Medication Safety
- Part B: Nursing Knowledge
You have up to three attempts to pass both parts. If you fail one part, you only need to re-sit that section. The exam is held at Pearson VUE test centres available in many countries.
2. Clinical Competence Assessment (OSCE)
This involves:
- A two-day orientation and preparation course
- A three-hour clinical exam known as the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The OSCE is conducted at the Nurse Maude Simulation & Assessment Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand. It evaluates your applied nursing knowledge, communication skills, and ability to practise safely as a nurse in New Zealand.
You’ll complete 10 scenarios (or “stations”) in 120 minutes. Each station includes:
- 2 minutes to read instructions
- 8 minutes to complete the task
- 2 minutes for transition between stations
You can re-sit the OSCE two more times if needed.
Conclusion: The Nursing Council of New Zealand has a structured process in place to ensure that internationally qualified nurses meet the country’s standards for safe and competent nursing practice. By completing the necessary document verification, courses, and assessments, you can transition smoothly into nursing in New Zealand. This pathway opens doors to a rewarding career in a healthcare system known for its high standards and patient care.
Reference
1. https://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/
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