New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)

About this programme

The Enrolled Nurse programme is an eighteen month course which leads to registration as an Enrolled Nurse. Enrolled Nurses work under the direction and delegation of Registered Nurses or other registered health practitioner in a range of
settings including acute care, rehabilitation, and mental health in the community and/or in hospitals.

This qualification meets the Nursing Council of New Zealand requirements for application for registration in the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

What will I learn?

The graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Apply nursing knowledge and skills to safely deliver health care 

• Assess health status and undertake appropriate interventions in a manner that supports best health outcomes for health consumers

• Establish, maintain and conclude therapeutic interpersonal relationships

• Work collaboratively and communicate effectively within the interdisciplinary health care team

• Apply professional judgement, accountability and responsibility in ensuring that nursing practice and conduct meets professional, ethical and legal requirements and standards

• Practice in a manner that is culturally safe and promotes  health, autonomy, self- determination and quality of life for health consumers

• Apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to enrolled nursing practice

• Identify and advocate for the needs of the health consumer and work in a partnership with the health consumer and/or family/whanau or support person(s).

On completion of the programme, graduates are eligible to apply to Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) for registration as an Enrolled Nurse.

Computer/Internet Requirements

Students will need a computer less than 3 years old, together with reliable broadband access.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to attend clinical placements throughout the Diploma in Enrolled Nursing programme. These placements may occur anywhere in the Northland region. The student will be responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses incurred when undertaking a clinical placement outside of their home locality.

Career opportunities

Once registered with NCNZ, graduates may be employed in a wide range of health care, hospital and community settings. These may include:

• Acute Care

• Primary Care

• Medical/Surgical

• Mental Health & Addictions

• Māori Health

• Community Health

• Aged Care

Workload & schedule

This course is split into two parts. There are four theory courses in Part One including clinical skills taught in the practice and simulation rooms, and one clinical course of 300 hours in clinical practice settings.  Students should expect to be in class 2-3 days per week and undertake self-directed study and online activities at other times.  Clinical placements are usually 5 days per week Monday – Friday.

During the second part of the course, students do three rotations of three weeks in school and five weeks in clinical placement in mental health, acute care and rehabilitation/primary health care/palliative care.

Over the whole programme there are eight courses, all of which include assessments to be completed.

There are regular holiday weeks spread over the 18 months, although students will be required to be in class or on clinical placement during some of the school holidays (particularly during some of the summer break).

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

•  NCEA Level 2 with at least 12 credits in Level 1 Mathematics; or

•  Evidence of literacy and numeracy and an ability to study at an appropriate level. Evidence can be through study, work and/or life experience. Applicants may be required to undertake a literacy and numeracy assessment 

All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5 or an accepted international equivalence. 

All applicants must also:

• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes:

  • A personal statement that outlines why they have chosen nursing as a career and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from their life experiences which will enhance the application.

  • Two referee reports that outline appropriateness to study in the nursing profession.

• Authorise a Police Check for criminal convictions, including meeting the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014, and disclose any pending charges.

• Have a level of physical and mental health commensurate with the NCNZ requirements.

• Hold a current First Aid Certificate at the time the programme starts.

• Have an immune status commensurate with, or complete vaccinations required by NZ health workers and in line with the policies of contracted clinical workplaces prior to any clinical placement.

Police Check Requirement

You are involved in a variety of clinical placements. Each successful applicant is therefore required to complete and return a NZ Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form with their application. Your completed form in the Enrolment Form Pack will be sent by NorthTec to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service and returned in confidence to the Programme Leader.

Please note that access to clinical placements is subject to police vetting clearance as specified by that agency.

Additional Requirements

You must also meet the following if you are accepted into the programme:

• successful applicants need to have health screening (which will be provided at no charge). Any vaccinations required to meet the policies of the various clinical practice institutions and agencies, will be at the student’s expense.

• have the ability to read and write unassisted (because of the requirement to independently and accurately read and write case notes and other documentation when in clinical practice). Applicants must be able to understand, interpret and speak English, at a level that is safe in clinical practice - the inability to do so would create risk or harm to others. Note that students may request, however, the use of a ‘reader/writer’ for exams in the instance of temporary disability.

Selection

Where applicants exceed available places selection will be based on evidence of interest, motivation, academic achievement, referee’s reports and regional considerations (availability of clinical practice/work experience positions).

Qualification gained

New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)