Scholarships for Primary Health Care Nurses

9 June 2006

Second round of scholarships for Primary Health Care Nurses

Registered nurses working in primary health care who want to do postgraduate study can now apply for the second and final round for this year of Ministry of Health scholarships.

Earlier this year, 108 registered nurses received scholarships for study in the first semester. Another round of scholarships for nurses wishing to do postgraduate study in the 2nd semester is now open.

"Nurses need a lot more access to skills development and education. The huge level of interest in the first round of scholarships shows that nurses want it. Increased education and skills will make a profound difference to primary health care nursing," says Mark Jones Chief Advisor Nursing.

This year an additional $1500 may be awarded to individuals who will complete a course that will make them eligible to become a Nurse Practitioner with prescribing rights.

Applicants for the scholarships should be New Zealand registered nurses, have previous work experience in the New Zealand health and disability sector, have the support of their employer and be able to take time off for study if appropriate.

"I am absolutely delighted with the response we received for our first round of scholarship funding, and would like to encourage anyone who has been thinking about doing some more study to consider applying this time around."

Investing in the nursing workforce helps us reduce inequalities in access to health care and deliver on a number of the Government's strategies, such as the Primary Health Care Strategy and the New Zealand Health Strategy, which aim to improve the health of New Zealanders,'' says Mark Jones.

Funding for the scholarships is from an $8.1 million package to support primary health care nursing - part of a $300 million package for implementation of the Government's Primary Healthcare Strategy.

Applications close on 5th July 2006. Forms are available by request or can be printed off from the Ministry of Health's website.

Applicants will be selected by a panel of nurses including postgraduate educators and members of the Primary Health Care Nursing Expert Advisory Group.

ENDS

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