Thirteen registered nurses celebrated graduating from the 2014 Nurse Entry to Practice (NEtP) Programme on 11 December. Ten months ago all were newly qualified but with little experience. The programme supports new nurses during their first year of employment helping them to integrate theoretical knowledge and clinical skills and is approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Combining a new job, 12 days in class and 30 credits of post graduate study is no easy feat, says NEtP Coordinator Rebecca Searle. “They deserve to celebrate their achievements. With whanau and supporters looking on they all received a certificate of achievement, posy of flowers and a little gift to acknowledge their hard work”.
“Embedded within the NEtP programme is a post graduate course facilitated jointly between Eastern Institute of Technology and TDH. Newly registered nurses can advance their professional practice knowledge and skill while working on wards and in primary health. They achieve 30 credits of post graduate study, with is halfway towards a post graduate qualification.”
The future is looking bright for nurse graduates on these types of programmes with Health Minister Jonathan Coleman announcing a new national recruitment system (ACE) that helps new nurses find jobs in their own region and specialty areas. As a result Tairawhiti will get funding for two extra GP practice training places on its NEtP programme.
From left: Rene van de Reede (Te Whare Awhi Ora), Effie Parker (Puhi Kaiti), Wendy-Lee Rawlings (Ward 5), Mel Reti, (Ward 8) Alana Wells (ICU), Christine Hills (Ward 5), Tracey Sheridan (Theatre), Jamie Phelps (Ward 9), Hannah Torrie (Emergency), Anne-Marie Penfold (Ward 8), Trio Barwick (Three Rivers Medical), Emma Watson (Planet Sunshine) and Erin McKenzie (Theatre).