Nelson Marlborough Health's 'nurse entry to practice' (NetP) programme places new graduate nurses in our workplaces.

Graduates will enjoy a safe learning environment to support transition from an advanced beginner to a competent registered nurse.

The range of placements available

NetP placements are offered in Nelson and Blenheim for both secondary services and primary health. We try to place people according to their clinical interest.

Secondary service placement areas include: Medical, surgical assessment treatment and rehabilitation, perioperative, emergency department, radiology.

Primary care placements areas include: Maori health provider, hospice, aged care and  a mixed rural nursing experience at Murchison Community Hospital.

Key features

  • Situated learning in your clinical setting with enthusiastic preceptors and nurse educators
  • Comprehensive orientation to NMH or NetP partner organisation
  • Ongoing support from formally prepared preceptors who understand and apply principals of adult learning
  • 12 study days including a level 7 graduate certificate course delivered by ARA Institute in Nelson
  • Two developmental days for goal setting, formative and summative assessment, peer support and cultural support.

Programme outcomes

Successful NetP programme graduates will be certified to practice safely, confidently and competently within the registered nurse scope of practice.

This is certified under the South Island Regional Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP).

Successful completion of the programme is achieved through:

  • a minimum of 1300 hours of clinical practice
  • completion of required unit or induction packages
  • minimum 85% attendance at study days
  • completion of the required unit or core requirements eg emergency procedures, smoking cessation, IV skills competence
  • setting and achieving goals with support from your preceptor
  • completion of the level 7 Graduate Certificate Rapid Assessment course
  • presentation to peers of a care pathway analysis using principles of adult learning and peer assessment skills
  • passing a policy critique assignment  
  • providing evidence of effective use of development time
  • completion of a performance appraisal with your preceptor and nurse manager
  • submitting a professional portfolio for competent status to the South Island Regional PDRP.

Eligibility criteria

At the time of application, applicants will:

  1. hold a nursing degree from a New Zealand nursing programme approved by Nursing Council New Zealand
  2. hold New Zealand nursing registration within the registered nurse scope of practice
  3. hold a current annual practising certificate that enables full participation in the programme
  4. have graduated within the past 24 months and have not practised as a registered nurse for longer than six months
  5. be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident

Timeframes and the application process

We welcome your enquiries and are very happy to provide information relating to NetP opportunities at Nelson Marlborough Health.

All applications however must be made through the Nursing Advanced Choice of Employment (ACE) website.

New graduates in the NetP programme start in late January. These are usually 12-month positions but occasionally a placement can be split into two six-month placements in two different clinical areas.

Contact details

For further information contact:

Sandra McLean-Cooper
Nurse Consultant - Education and Development
Email: sandra.mclean-c[email protected]
Phone: (03) 539 5358