Despite recent changes to the scope of practice framework for enrolled nurses in New Zealand, which will bring the country’s system into closer alignment with that of Australia, opportunities for Australian nurses over the Tasman have flattened following the global economic down turn, according to the country’s regulators and recruiters.

From 31 May of this year, as advised by The Nursing Council of New Zealand (the country’s regulatory authority responsible for the registration of nurses) the scope of practice for enrolled nurses, who practise under the direction of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, was revised to broaden enrolled nurses’ contribution to health services and support to registered nurses.

The new qualification for the scope of practice is an 18-month diploma in enrolled nursing at level 5 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.Existing enrolled nurses (except those educated in New Zealand after 2000) who wish to transition into the new scope of practice must do so over the next 12 months.

The council’s chief executive and registrar Carolyn Reed says the new scope of practice and qualifications will bring the New Zealand’s career pathways for enrolled nurses into closer alignment with those in Australia. While the move was not designed solely to facilitate Australian nurses working in New Zealand, this was certainly part of the strategy, she says.

Certainly, the tally of nurses utilising the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement to cross the Tasman to pursue nursing opportunities have declined in recent years, either into New Zealand from Australia or the other way around, with numbers in both directions averaging less than 50.

Carolyn says while sectors such as aged care struggle to attract good nurses, demand in these some sectors doesn’t counter the diminution of overall opportunities for Australian nurses in New Zealand, in the wake of the economic down turn.

“It appears that the combination of the GFC and a government that is increasingly holding the health sector accountable for its dollar spend, as well as increased numbers of nurses returning to work due to the downturn, means there are not that many opportunities at present,” she says.

The evidence also suggests New Zealand’s health sector employers are working hard to nurture the country’s own graduates, with a view to growing its domestic work force. An indication of this trend is the Nursing Entry to Practice (NETP) program introduced in 2006, which was created specifically to fund New Zealand graduate nurses through a supported first year of practice.

Nevertheless recruiters say opportunities do exist for Australian nurses with the right specialisms. Chris Woods, NZ Recruitment Manager for recruiting company Pulse International, says Australian nurses do have inbuilt advantages over other overseas applicants.

“Nurses who are Australian passport holders are seen as desirable candidates as they do not need to work visas or permits to work in New Zealand. Those registered in Australia are automatically eligible to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement, and vice versa.”

Chris says vacancies exist across many specialisms in the New Zealand health sector, with the highest demand currently in operating theatres, mental health, aged care and some surgical wards.

The Nursing Council of New Zealand’s Carolyn Reed says there are some key considerations for Australian nurses working in New Zealand.

“One thing I would say is that every nurse needs to be aware of the legislative requirements of working in New Zealand, as they are different to those in Australia. Because each nurse has an individual accountability it’s important that nurses are aware of the differences.”

Healthcare employers in New Zealand typically put new employees through an in depth orientation program to ensure they understand New Zealand’s legislative framework and healthcare system, she adds.