Return to Nursing Practice Programme

Registered Nurses, who have been out of the workforce for the last five years, either in New Zealand or overseas, are required by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) to complete an approved competence assessment programme.

Northland District Health Board (NDHB) in partnership with NorthTec offers, a Return to Nursing Practice programme which provides the theoretical and clinical components necessary to meet the registered nurse, recertification requirements. North Tec has obtained NCNZ approval for their flexible on-line competency-based programme.

NorthTec delivers the theory component of the course online, and clinical placements are negotiated with NDHB. Nurses can complete clinical placements at Whangarei, Dargaville, Kawakawa or Kaitaia subject to availability. Upon successful completion of the course students are eligible to apply to the NCNZ for a practising certificate.

Students can identify what areas they would prefer to complete their clinical placement and if it is possible we will endeavour to meet their request. Where students reside, previous nursing experience and future career plans are also taken into consideration when negotiating for clinical placement areas.

The following are some of the areas where clinical placements may be negotiated:

• Mental Health
• Community Health
• Public Health
• Medical and Disability Support
• Surgical and Critical Care Services
• Maori Health
• Maternal and Child Health Services
• Outpatients

For further Information please contact:

NorthTec
Bonnie Schroyen
Principal Nursing Lecturer
DDI: (09) 4703820
email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Nurse Educators Professional Development
Ph: (09) 430 4101 ext 7214