Second Level Nurse Discussion Document Released

A document which seeks to clarify the scope of practice for the second level nurse has been released today for public consultation.

'Developing Competencies for the Second Level Nurse' has been developed by a sector reference group, at the advice of the Minister of Health, and set up specifically to formulate competencies for the second level nurse.

Chief Nursing Advisor Frances Hughes says development of the second level nurse competencies will offer clarity, transparency and ensure consumer safety from this level of nurse.

'This discussion document seeks to clarify the competencies of the second level nurse and the application of these in practice. Ultimately, it will ease the workload of the registered nurse, by allowing some tasks currently performed by registered nurses, to be delegated safely, under supervision, to the second level nurse.

Submissions close on 23 April. Comments from the submissions will be included in a report which will be presented to the Minister of Health.

A full copy of the discussion document can be found under publications on the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz.

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For more information contact: Selina Gentry, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2483 or 025-277-5411 Internet address: http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html

Background Information

This discussion document is the result of work from a sector reference group, set up specifically to develop competencies for the second level nurses. The group includes representatives from the Ministry of Health, Nursing Council of New Zealand, New Zealand Home Health Association, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Nurse Executives of New Zealand, National Council of Maori Nurses, Carers New Zealand and the Australia and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses.

Selina Gentry Media Liaison Communications Corporate & Information Directorate Ministry of Health DDI: 04 496 2483

mailto:selina_gentry@moh.govt.nz

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