Nurses’ Organisation welcomes decision

MEDIA RELEASE

Nurses’ Organisation welcomes decision 

The New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation (NZNO) welcomes today’s decision of the Nursing Council of New Zealand (The Council) regarding Enrolled Nurses.  The announcement by The Council that the Enrolled Nurse title will be used for all second level nurses in NZ and that an expanded scope of practice will be gazetted finally resolves ongoing uncertainty about the second level nurse and their place in the health service. 

NZNO professional nursing adviser, Suzanne Rolls,  says that Enrolled nurses have provided skilled nursing care at a level between registered nurses and unregulated caregivers (aides) and this decision will ensure they continue to do so in the future.  For nursing to be effective and for patients to experience the right level of nursing care in any health care setting the skill mix of nursing needs to reflect an appropriate balance according to patient’s needs.  The Council’s decision will ensure that the public continues to receive the full range of nursing expertise from a comprehensive nursing team.

Rolls congratulates enrolled nurses for challenging the current situation of two titles and scopes of practice for second level nurses.  The Council’s decision removes uncertainty for all second level nurses, reflects the reality of health service provision and provides clarity for the public.

Enrolled Nurse Section of NZNO chairperson Robyn Hewlett was delighted that one title, one scope of practice will be in place for enrolled nurses, and that they are recognised for their current and future contribution in the healthcare team.   Hewlett says this is the starting point to fully integrate enrolled nurses into the NZ health care workforce.

NZNO looks forward to working with The Council on implementation of this new scope and education programme.  NZNO will also work with the Ministry of Health, education providers and employers on EN workforce initiatives. 

NZNO represents 44,000 nurses, midwives and health care workers.  Over 2000 enrolled nurses are members of NZNO.  Enrolled Nurses and Nurse Assistants (who will now be called Enrolled Nurses) are represented by the Enrolled Nurse Section, which holds annual conferences and study days – since October over 400 enrolled nurses have participated in regional professional development study days.
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