Introduction

If you are an internationally qualified nurse aspiring to kickstart your career as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand in 2024 or beyond, this guide is tailored just for you. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the latest changes introduced by the New Zealand Nursing Council (NZNC) for internationally qualified nurses (IQNs). This will equip you with all the essential information you need to embark on your journey as a registered nurse in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

New Pathways for IQNs

The NZNC (New Zealand Nursing Council) has recently adopted new registration pathways for IQNs, aligning itself with similar models in Australia and the United Kingdom. Starting in 2024, IQNs will no longer be required to complete the Competency Assessment Program (CAP) after the initial credential assessment through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Instead, they will need to pass an online exam and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

This new pathway mirrors the process in Australia and includes an education module. IQNs will study vital topics such as cultural safety, the New Zealand healthcare system, and the role of nurses within it. This change streamlines the registration process, making it more accessible for international nurses.

Registered Nurses Process

Similar to Australia, the NZNC is now offering a clear path for IQNs who aspire to become Registered Nurses. To achieve this, IQNs must pass the NCLEX-EN and EN-OSCE exams. This opens up a range of opportunities for those with specific career aspirations within nursing.

Reduced Practice Hour Requirement

One significant change introduced by NZNC is the reduction of required practice hours. Previously, IQNs were obligated to have accumulated 2500 hours of practice within the last five years. However, as per the information available on the NZNC website, this requirement has been revised. Now, nurses are only asked to have practiced for at least one year after gaining their initial qualification. This change is especially welcoming for those who may have experienced practice gaps or have been away from the profession for an extended period.

Impact on Pending Applications

If you are an IQN currently undergoing the assessment process or preparing to start the CAP program soon, it’s essential to note that these changes will not have an immediate effect on your application. However, staying informed about the evolving requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth transition into the New Zealand nursing profession. 4th December 2023 is the date set to launch the new model before which you should have completed your CGFNS and application should be lodged to New Zealand Nursing council. If you miss the date, you will be under the new examination pathway

The Cost of the New Model

While the exact fee structure for the new registration model has not been published, it is expected to be more cost-effective than the current CAP program, which ranges from approximately 10,000 to 12,000 New Zealand Dollars (NZD). This makes the path to becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand more financially accessible for aspiring IQNs.

The Online Exam and OSCE Exam

The online conceptual exam shares similarities with the NCLEX, as the NZNC has mentioned that nurses will be able to sit for this exam in other overseas countries. However, it’s important to note that NZ already has a State Final Examination for domestically qualified nurses. As further details emerge, it will become clearer if this exam aligns with the NCLEX or follows a different format.

On the other hand, the OSCE, or Objective Structured Clinical Examination, assesses practical skills through a series of simulated clinical settings. In each station, an applicant undergoes an individual evaluation based on their performance during a specific clinical scenario designed to test a particular skill area. This process is similar to the OSCE exam conducted by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The NZNC will administer this one-day exam within New Zealand and is considering introducing a pre-OSCE orientation to guide and support applicants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these changes introduced by the New Zealand Nursing Council in 2024 aim to create a more streamlined and accessible pathway for internationally qualified nurses to become registered nurses or enrolled nurses in New Zealand. These changes also eliminate the stringent practice hour requirements, making it more accommodating for those who may have gaps in their practice.

If you are considering a career as a nurse in New Zealand, these developments should be met with enthusiasm, as they open up new opportunities and simplify the registration process. Keep an eye on the NZNC website for further updates, and remember, your journey to becoming a registered nurse in New Zealand has just become more achievable.