Petition generates progress for new nurses

Last week the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) launched a petition to get a nurse entry to practice (NEtP) programme for every new graduate nurse. This week, and more than 7,000 signatures later, we are very pleased to hear the Government’s announcement that they will fund 200 more NEtP places in 2015.
NZNO acting professional services manager, Hilary Graham-Smith says, “That means 200 more new graduate nurses will have the benefit of growing and developing their skills as registered nurses with support and mentorship; and address some of the shortfall of nurses required in our workforce to meet patient care in future years.

“200 new NEtP positions still leaves too many nurse graduates without support though. These new positions do not start until 2015 by which time there will be another cohort of graduates, meaning more new grads in the market for places and a talent pool currently sitting at around more than 400 trained nurses without work.”

“NZNO wants to make it clear; this issue is not resolved. We will continue to work with the other national nursing groups on the goal of 100% employment in NEtP programmes for our new graduate nurses.”

“What we are taking from this change of heart from our Minister of Health is that when enough of us speak up, he will listen. We will keep the pressure on until the Government commits to fund a NEtP position for every new graduate nurse.” Ms Graham-Smith says.

The petition to get a NEtP position for every new graduate nurse is here: www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/tony-ryall-every-new-nurse-deserves-support

ENDS

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