Resolution in Sight for Enrolled Nurses

2 December 2004

Resolution in Sight for Enrolled Nurses

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has welcomed the recommendation of the Health Select Committee announced today that the Nursing Council of New Zealand revisit the enrolled nurse title and fully consult with those affected.

Geoff Annals said NZNO was looking forward to working constructively with the Nursing Council to resolve the issue, so enrolled nurses can secure their place as an essential and valued part of the nursing workforce.

“NZNO enrolled nurse members, who have been very distressed during this process, will be heartened at this recommendation,” said Geoff Annals.

“It has been particularly distressing for those recent graduates who trained as enrolled nurses only to find that they would have a new title of ‘nurse assistant’,” he said.

“Their concern was that the new title would be interpreted generally as meaning unregulated health workers.”

Geoff Annals said enrolled nurses would be relieved to see their lobbying had brought results.

He said concerns were expressed at the developments in New Zealand at the recent South Pacific Nurses’ Forum where 12 Pacific nations were represented.

“Other South Pacific countries tend to follow New Zealand’s lead on such issues and the Pacific and Australian nursing community were concerned about enrolled nurses who may work in New Zealand in the future,” he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media