NURSING ENTRY TO PRACTICE 2/B46
1.0
INTRODUCTION
This specification1 describes the components of the Nursing Entry to Practice
(NETP) training programme that is funded by Health Workforce New Zealand
(HWNZ) formally Clinical Training Agency (CTA).
The vision for the NETP programme is:
New Zealand nursing graduates enthusiastically commence their careers in
New Zealand: well supported, safe, skilled and confident in their clinical
practice; equipped for further learning and professional development; meeting
the needs of health and disability support service users and employers; and
building a sustainable pathway for the New Zealand registered nursing
workforce into the future2.
This specification describes the components of the NETP programme, which is
funded jointly by the District Health Boards (DHBs)/ employers and HWNZ.
The NETP programme is for newly graduated nurses employed by DHBs or
DHB/Ministry of Health funded Health Services. The term graduate nurse
referred to in this specification is limited to those eligible for funding as per
Section 3.1.
The specification describes the resources, processes and
outcomes to be dedicated to the NETP programme.
The national Learning Framework3 forms the foundation for this training
programme and does not repeat the learning content of the undergraduate
degree programme but strengthens the application and use of knowledge in
clinical situations.
On successful completion of the NETP programme the graduate nurse must be
assessed by the DHB as having reached the “competent level” in the
Professional Development and Recognition Programme4 (PDRP) framework.
The successful graduate nurse receives a Certificate of Achievement from the
DHB.
These certificates designate that the recipient has successfully
completed the requirements of the nationwide NETP programme.
1
This specification replaces the previous specifications for both Nursing Entry to Practice
(1/B46) and Nursing Entry to Practice Expansion (1/B51)
2
Growing Our Own: An Evaluation of the Nursing Entry to Practice Programme in New
Zealand 2006 - 2009, December 2009, W hitireia Community Polytechnic and Victoria
University of W ellington.
3
See DHBNZ website for Learning Framework http://www.dhbnz.org.nz/Site/Future_W orkforce/Nursing-Midwifery/NursingProjects/NETP/Documents.aspx
4
“competent level” is equivalent to Level Two on the PDRP. See Nursing Council website for
PDRP http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/index.cfm/1,36,0,0,html/Continuing -Competence
This specification must be read in conjunction with the Head Agreement and
Service Agreement, which define terms and outline expectations of all
providers.
2.0
PROGRAMME COMPONENTS
Funding for the NETP programme must be spent on the components
described in section 2 below. Graduate nurses receiving NETP programme
funding must not be enrolled at the same time on any other Ministry of Health
funding training programme.
2.1
Programme outline
NETP is a generic, nationally recognized programme with the following
components:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
DHB-level programme coordination
a maximum of two clinical placements/rotations within the duration
of the training programme
clinical preceptor support throughout the duration of the
programme, sharing the clinical caseload for six weeks in total
the equivalent of 12 group learning/study days (inclusive of any
Level 85 paper/course release days where offered as part of the
Learning Framework)
an additional two development days (16 hours) for goal setting and
assessment, peer support and cultural support
a subcontract established between the DHB and employer
award of a Certificate of Achievement from the DHB on successful
completion of the NETP programme.
The NETP programme integrates the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te
Tiriti o Waitangi into practice to promote equity of outcomes for Maori. The
NETP programme facilitates practice in a culturally safe manner with all client
groups.
The NETP programme is 12 months in length. Graduate nurses can complete
the NETP programme in 10 months if they have met all the training
programme requirements.
2.2
Learning environment
Each NETP programme must be approved by the Nursing Council of New
Zealand (NCNZ) against the Standards for NETP Programmes, which
incorporates this programme specification.
5
See www.nzqa.irg.nz/framework/levels.html for definition of Level 8
The NETP programme must be delivered in a “good employer” environment
that offers appropriate human resources and performance management
provisions.
The learning environment provides the opportunity for the graduate nurse to
reach the competent level (Level 2) through the national PDRP framework.
The DHB/employer must have a process for providing remedial assistance to
graduate nurses who do not meet the assessment criteria. Those graduate
nurses, who despite this remedial assistance do not fulfill the NETP
programme requirements, are subject to the DHB/employer’s performance
management policies and procedures. This includes reporting significant,
unremediated performance issues to the NCNZ’s competence review
process.
2.3
Clinical programme
2.3.1 Clinical placements/rotations
The DHB in partnership with the clinical area/employer agree on whether
there are one or two rotation/placements. The DHB must advise potential
applicants and employers as to the model/s they offer. Placements/rotations
must be negotiated between the clinical service area/employer and the
graduate nurse.
If the NETP programme generally offers two
placements/rotations, employers and graduate nurses may still indicate a
preference to complete the NETP programme in only one clinical service
area, where possible.
Where the NETP programme offers two placements/rotations, the clinical
preceptor and the graduate nurse must share a clinical load for the first four
weeks of the first placement/rotation, and the first two weeks of the second
placement/rotation.
Where the NETP programme offers one placement/rotation, the clinical
preceptor and graduate nurse must share a clinical load for the first four
weeks of the first placement/rotation. The remaining two weeks of clinical
load sharing may be taken at a date suitable to the clinical pathway and
learning needs of the graduate nurse.
In all scenarios, there is flexibility to extend or reduce these timeframes in
specific instances, subject to agreement with the graduate nurse/employer, so
long as the NETP programme averages six weeks of clinical load sharing per
graduate nurse overall. The key determinant should be that the graduate
nurse is supported adequately to meet the requirements of the Learning
Framework.6
6
Where the NETP programme offers two placement/rotations these can be a combination of
any eligible clinical placement/rotation providers/employers as per Section 3.2 of this
specification.
Normal lines of clinical accountability, as applied to all staff, apply to graduate
nurses.
2.3.2 Clinical preceptorship
Clinical preceptorship is an educational relationship that provides role
modelling, clinical support, clinical teaching and socialisation into the work
environment. Preceptors strengthen the application and use of knowledge in
clinical situations.
Preceptors must be registered nurses who have
successfully undertaken preceptorship training as per the accepted national
framework for preceptor training.7
Preceptors must have regular and
consistent access to the graduate nurse during clinical practice, especially
during the clinical load sharing period.
Preceptorship can be provided by a team. The Preceptorship team includes
the Charge Nurs e/Team Leader/Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator and other
staff in the work environment. Their roles and responsibilities are outlined in
the national framework for preceptor training. A named primary preceptor
must be identified for each graduate nurse to ensure accountability for
negotiating and evaluating learning outcomes and coordination of formal
feedback to the NETP participant.
Clinical preceptor support must be available to the graduate nurse throughout
the duration of the 12 month NETP programme.
The primary preceptor must be provided with relevant initial and continuing
education for the equivalent of 16 hours per year.
The Programme
Coordinator must ensure that appropriate support and peer review are
available to all clinical preceptors.
Preceptors must have:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
7
a current annual practicing certificate in the Registered Nurse
scope of practice
registration with the NCNZ ‘in good standing’ (ie, with no
restrictions on that registration that would negatively impact on
their ability to perform as a clinical preceptor)
successfully completed a preceptor training programme
demonstrated commitment and willingness to support and
encourage a graduate nurse through their role as a preceptor
knowledge of the NETP programme Learning Framework 8,
toolkits9 and PDRP requirements10
Preceptoring for Excellence National Framework for Nursing Preceptorship Programmes,
July 2006, New Zealand Nurse Educators Preceptorship Subgroup. See DHBNZ website
http://www.dhbnz.org.nz/Site/Future_W orkforce/Nursing-Midwifery/NursingProjects/NETP/Documents.aspx
8
See DHBNZ website http://www.dhbnz.org.nz/Site/Future_W orkforce/NursingMidwifery/Nursing-Projects/NETP/Documents.aspx
9
as above
7.
8.
9.
2.4
providing preceptorship
an ability to apply the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te
Tiriti o Waitangi to nursing practice
evidence of positive role modelling
a commitment to provide feedback to the graduate nurse and
receive feedback on their performance as a preceptor.
Formal teaching (education) programme and educational supervision
All NETP programme education activities must be focused on the Learning
Framework and are the responsibility of the DHB.
The NETP programme must allow for the graduate nurse to be released from
clinical practice for education for the equivalent of 12 study days (96 hours)
over the 12 month period, focused on the Learning Framework. The days
must encompass:
2.5
1.
orientation specific to the clinical placement/rotation
2.
topics specific to the general clinical areas of each placement/rotation
3.
general concepts specific to the content of the Learning Framework
Programme coordination
The NETP programme coordinator must be an experienced registered nurse
employed by the DHB who leads the NETP programme in each DHB area.
The NETP programme coordinator must have experience in clinical teaching
and facilitation of clinical learning and hold a relevant postgraduate
qualification.
The NETP programme coordinator at each DHB takes a leading role to
ensure the following functions occur:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
10
recruiting and selecting graduate nurses and preceptors
negotiating, planning and facilitation of placements/rotations for
graduate nurses
monitoring and liaising with the clinical service areas where graduate
nurses are placed and or employed
in conjunction with the clinical service area, monitoring the
performance of the preceptors in their support of graduate nurses, and
providing feedback to them
mediating and relationship management between the clinical preceptor,
the clinical service area and graduate nurse
coordinating implementation of Learning Framework
as above
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
2.6
assessment processes and documentation of Learning Framework
outcomes
developing and administering evaluation tools including surveying of
graduate nurses regarding their expectations and experience of the
NETP programme
coordinating a NETP programme advisory group with key stakeholder
representation
developing and managing a quality improvement plan
collaborating with NETP programme coordinator colleagues in other
DHBs and nationally
establishing a subcontract between the DHB and employer
making cultural support resources available to trainees
providing the information necessary for reporting to HWNZ
Development Days
The NETP programme must allow for the graduate nurses and preceptor /
preceptor team member to be released from clinical practice for the equivalent
of two ‘development days’ (16 hours) over the 12 month period. This is in
addition to the 12 equivalent study days (96 hours) for the graduate nurses.
The development days allow for the development of a learning contract to
meet the NETP programme outcomes with the preceptor or preceptorship
team.11 The graduate will receive feedback on their assessments and their
progress in the NETP programme. These days may also be used for
graduate nurses to meet for peer support and critical reflection.
2.7
Length of time eligible for which HWNZ funding is available
Graduate nurses are eligible for up to 12 months of funding.
3
ELIGIBILITY
3.1
Graduate nurses eligibility for funding from the HWNZ
Graduate nurses must meet all of the following criteria:
1.
be enrolled in the training programme described in this
specification,
2.
be a New Zealand citizen of hold a New Zealand residency permit,
3.
not exceed the 12 month funding limit for the NETP programme,
4.
hold a nursing degree from a New Zealand registered nursing
programme accredited by the NCNZ,
11
Refer footnote 4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
commencement on the NETP programme12,
hold registration with the NCNZ within the Registered Nurse Scope
of Practice, ‘in good standing’ (ie, have no restrictions on that
registration that would negatively impact on their ability to
participate in their placement/rotations in the NETP programme)
have a current annual practicing certificate; and
be currently employed as a registered nurse within a DHB or DHB
non provider are/Ministry of Health funded health service,
be currently employed at a minimum of 0.8 FTE employment (32
hours/week),
have not practised as a registered nurse for longer than six months
before starting on the NETP programme,
complete the NETP programme within a maximum of 12 months.
While the funding for any graduate nurse cannot exceed 12 months,
the NETP programme provider is able to consider extending the
timeframe for completing the NETP programme requirements in
cases of illness or other individual special circumstances,
have support by the relevant line manager/employer to meet the
requirements
Graduate nurses who do not meet criteria 2 or 5 may be considered on a
case-by-case basis.
3.2
Provider eligibility
The NETP programme is provided by DHBs. DHBs must ensure that the
NETP programme is approved and monitored by the NCNZ. DHBs must
have a subcontract between the DHB and the employer. The DHB/employer
must comply with relevant Ministry of Health standards.
4
ASSOCIATED LINKAGES
The NETP programme providers must establish links with at least the
following:
1.
Local iwi, Maori health services, and other Maori stakeholders
2.
Relevant professional nursing organizations
3.
Tertiary education providers
4.
Primary Care
5.
Aged Care
6.
Non government organizations
12
Refer to Nursing Council Standards for NETP Programmes. See DHBNZ website
http://www.dhbnz.org.nz/Site/Future_W orkforce/Nursing-Midwifery/NursingProjects/NETP/Documents.aspx
5
PURCHASE UNIT AND REPORTING UNIT
5.1
Purchase Unit
A graduate nurse who meets the eligibility criteria set out in section 3.1 HWNZ
funding is allocated only to those graduate nurses who are fully participating
in the NETP programme. There is no provision of part-time enrolment in the
NETP programme, (ie, funding cannot extend beyond 12 months and the
NETP programme requirements must be met in full in this timeframe) This is
distinct from Clause 3.1, which does allow for employment ranging from 0.8 to
1.0 FTE.
5.2
Reporting Unit
An eligible graduate nurse enrolled in the NETP programme.
The Agreement requires compliance with the requirements of Report 1 and
monthly reporting, providing names, demographic data and training
programme information of trainees. Report 2 outcomes and evaluative data
are also required.
6
QUALITY STANDARDS: PROGRAMME SPECIFIC
This section should be read in conjunction with the Agreement, which
specifies generic quality standards for all training programmes provided
under the contract.
7
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: PROGRAMME SPECIFIC
This section should be read in conjunction with Part D of the HWNZ
Agreement, which specifies generic reporting requirements for all training
programmes provided under the contract.
8
TRAINING PROGRAMME FUNDED COMPONENTS SUMMARY
The NETP programme is funded jointly by HWNZ and DHBs/employers.
Description
Clinical case load
sharing between
graduate nurse and
preceptor
Graduate nurse release
time for Learning
Framework
Quantity
Six weeks
Training for primary
preceptors
Development days for
graduate nurse and
primary
preceptor/preceptor
team member
Programme
Coordination
16 hours
12 days
Comments
May be split into four
and two weeks if there
are two clinical
placements/rotations
Includes the release
days for the level 8
paper/course where
offered
16 hours each
The graduate nurse and
preceptor/preceptor
team member must
attend jointly.
Variable
Is included in price per
trainee