How to be a nurse in New Zealand

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Hi! I am from the Philippines and just graduated nursing last yr. I am interested to work in New Zealand. Does anyone know what major steps should I take to pursue my goal? Already took the IELTS with the accepted band score. From there, what should I do next? Is hospital experience necessary because I only worked for 2 months as a trainee. Thanks in advance.

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I took the liberty of moving your post from the NCLEX forum, as that exam is only for the US.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Orthopaedics, MedSurg.

Hi! Welcome!

You will first have to contact the Nursing Council New Zealand, who will assess your qualification and they will make recommendations as to what else you need to do before you can gain registration. Go to www.nursingcouncil.org.nz NCNZ is the only nursing governing body in NZ and may recommend that you do a Competency Assessment Programme for Overseas Registered Nurses which cost about NZD3500 and runs for 8 weeks (2 weeks skills & theory prep then 6 weeks hospital clinical placements). NCNZ will refer you to this programme. You cannot just do it on your own plus you probably won't get a visa without this referral/recommendation from nursing council and acceptance from the programme provider. This competency programme is offered in New Zealand through a University or Polytechnic. NCNZ will provide you with a list of recognised tertiary provider for this course. You will be preceptored and assesses throughout the whole 8 weeks.

Let me know if you need anymore info.

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Hi suzanne! Since I'm new here, thanks for transferring my question to the aus-NZ forum.

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Thanks for your help. I didnt know that it's that expensive to undergo the training.:uhoh21: Anyway, at least I now have an idea of how to get things started. :specs: Thanks again.

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