Media Release
16 October 2001
Tenders called for pilot programme for first year of nursing clinical practice
Tenders have been called to set up pilot programmes within New Zealand to improve the support offered to new graduate
nurses in clinical practice and to assist in development of the nursing workforce.
The programmes, which will be trialed within a number of District Health Boards in 2002, are intended to support new
graduates within the pilot programme during their first year of clinical practice.
Deputy Director-General Personal and Family Health David Lambie said the pilot programmes should also assist with the
retention of new graduate nurses.
"Attracting people to the workforce is one issue, but providing them with the support systems to assist their
professional development is another.
"This pilot programme recognises that during the first year of nursing clinical practice new graduates need an
environment which allows them to ground their teaching and learning in practice experience. This requires a process
which develops confidence and effectiveness in their nursing practice, independence in clinical reasoning, decision
making and acceptance of the responsibility of the registered nurse."
"The programme will allow new graduates to have enhanced support and a reduced clinical workload to enable them to
develop the specific knowledge and skills required of a beginning practitioner role."
The pilot programmes are expected to begin early in 2002 and will be evaluated at the end of the pilot year.
Tenders close on Wednesday 14 November 2001.
For more information contact: Selina Gentry, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2483 or 025-277 5411
http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html