NPs in NZ?

Hi all,

What's the scope of practice like for a nurse practitioner in NZ? My husband and I have been planning to try to move to NZ once I finish my MSN program in the US (adult & women's health NP), but recently heard the scope of practice for NPs is much more limited than it is in the States. Is independent practice possible? Do you have complete prescriptive authority? I did visit the Nursing Council of NZ website, but would like to get the real story from actual nurses and NPs...

thanks!

Hi,

As NP is new here, I'm not that up to date, but I believe from what I've read, that prescribing is related only to your area. For instance, in my town, there is an NP who travels in a mobile clinic, and her prescribing is limited to aged care and child family health.

I think the pay rates will be above the senior scoping rates for hospital RN's - above $65000, I think I read somewhere around $80000 PA.

Have a look at the NZNO website, as they have been negotiating wages for hospital RN's for the last 2 years, and have just won a Fair Pay contract nationwide.

Alison