The College is a professional organisation of New Zealand nurses from all regions and specialities.

We aim for excellence in nursing practice and health care delivery by supporting nurses in their ongoing professional development.

We develop strategic consumer alliances with the aim of creating 100% access and Zero disparities in NZ health care.

We provide a leading voice for the nursing profession and professional commentary on issues which affect nurses, and also the health of the whole community.

 

In the Beginning

The College was established in 1992. Its establishment followed a special meeting in Palmerston North ( 1991) called by members of the Nursing Praxis in New Zealand Editorial group.

Following the meeting a project group was formed who then established the bicultural constitution of the College and organised the first annual general meeting and launch in 1992.

 

This is Our Vision

The College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) aims for professional excellence in nursing practice and health care delivery,underpinned by negotiated relationships. This will be achieved through the support of nurses and their ongoing professional development to enable:

  1. Innovation and health service delivery and
  2. The development of regional, national and strategic consumer alliances with the aim of creating 100% access and zero Disparities.

 

How does this plan work?

Nurses as the key members of the health care team, work in diverse community and hospital settings delivering numerous health services to different population groups and cultures. The many challenges and opportunities inherent in the current health care environment demand a planned and tactical approach. Building on from previous strategic plans, the current 3 year plan outlines directions the Board considers important to members, policy makers and health care consumers.

 

The purpose of this College is to:

  • Promote and facilitate professional development in the area of clinical practice, nursing management, nursing education and research.
  • Monitor, comment and advise on consistency and outcomes of education for nursing practice.
  • Identify, examine and take action on issues of significance to nursing practice and the health of the community.
  • Disseminate information on issues of significance to nurses.
  • Initiate, promote and publish nursing and health related research.
  • Adopt a collegial relationship with other professional bodies.

One of our main aims is to provide a voice for the nursing profession as a whole, speaking out on issues that affect not just nurses, but the health of the whole community. We monitor and influence policies and legislation on these issues, in the same way as other powerful health industry associations. We have done this by contributing to many committees, and making submissions at all levels.

 

Professional Development

Constant change is a fact of life - in nursing as in other professions. From improvements in everyday patient care to the many technological, legal and ethical issues being raised today, the developments you need to keep track of are innumerable.

The College helps to keep you up to date. We promote and facilitate professional development in the area of clinical practice, nursing management, nursing education and research.

Te Puawai, the College journal, contains informative material on current issues affecting nursing, while Nursing Praxis in New Zealand gives you opportunities to write and publish.
Nursing Praxis in New Zealand, published 3 times a year, presents professional papers. 

Our publications offer another means of staying in touch with key issues while our conferences and discussion forums also provide information on a wide variety of topics. Use our search engine to find articles on this web site relating to your field of interest.

 

Indemnity Insurance

It is essential that all Registered Nurses maintain professional individual indemnity insurance regardless of their current working status. College Members receive Indemnity Insurance cover up to $1 million p/a.