Graduation for 61 new well child nurses

11 May 2005

(In support of International Nurses Day 12 May 2005)

Graduation for 61 new well child nurses

Specially trained with a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing, 61 new well child health nurses are about to graduate, using their qualification working with Plunket, in Iwi and Pacific providers, and with District Health Boards.

In April, 37 well child/tamariki ora nurses graduated at Whitireia Community Polytechnic and on 20 May, a further 24 nurses will graduate at Te Ngira Marae, Papakura, Auckland. (subs 29 Hunua Road).

"Well Child/ Tamariki Ora nurses make a unique contribution to the health and wellbeing of the nation, and work at the forefront of community health care delivery. They are specialty nurses making an important contribution to the Government's Primary Healthcare Strategy and whose service is highly valued by New Zealand families," said Linda Polaschek, Plunket's National Clinical Educator.

"At a time when New Zealanders have come to acknowledge the enormous value of all nurses and that value is increasingly reflected in salary rates, we're pleased to celebrate the success of our latest graduates. We are hopeful that recent increases in nurse salaries, following the DHB/ NZNO settlement, will also extend to these specialty nurses in recognition of their vital work. Their contribution to the wellbeing of children, and therefore the nation, is essential," concluded Linda Polaschek.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing is the equivalent of two papers of a Masters degree, and replaces what was commonly known as the 'Plunket Nurse Course' - the Graduate Diploma in Community Child & Family Health Promotion. Development of the postgraduate qualification was driven by the Primary Health Care Strategy, the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the need for post registration nursing qualifications to reflect that a Bachelor of Nursing is the entry to the profession

The programme, developed and delivered by Plunket in partnership with Whitireia Community Polytechnic was designed for nurses new to Primary Health Care nursing. The majority of nurses working in the area of Well Child / Tamariki Ora are employed by Plunket, Iwi, Public Health and Pacific providers of well child health services throughout New Zealand. Of the latest graduates, 12 work for Plunket, and 12 work for Iwi health providers.

Every year, Plunket Nurses and a growing number of Maori and Pacific providers, bring their specialist skills to over half a million visits in family homes, Plunket clinics, and Plunket Karitane Family Centres.

ENDS

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