SDHB
NursingEntry to Practice Programme
Nursing Entry to Practice
Programme Outline
Acknowledgments;
This document and other related tools have been designed and developed to assist newly registered Nurses in making the transition from theundergraduate programme to practice reality. Acknowledgment is made to:Isabel Radka, who enthusiastically developed the initial programme that has become the basis of the supportive framework we provide for nursing graduates today. Leanne Samuel for believing in the opportunities that New Graduates bring to an organisation and championing the education/best practice principles the Practice Development Team advocates. Also Debbie Ashworth, who has worked tirelessly to lead the accreditation process of our Professional Development and Recognition Programme that underpins the New Graduate’s learning framework. Thanks also,to my national New Graduate colleagues who have shared their documents, insights and audit process feedback.
The Nursing Council of New Zealand audited and accredited this programme in August 2006. Along withSDHB’s Nursing Council approved Professional Development and Recognition Programmewe aim to provide a robust and supportive learning framework for New Graduates.
Rosalie Wright
Nurse Educator – Nursing Entry to Practice + Competence Assessment Programmes
Welcome;
Welcome to the Southland District Health Board (SDHB) and the Nursing Entry to Practice Programme (NETP) – formerly known as the New Graduate Programme (NGP). We understand that as beginning practitioners you require support to make a smooth and successful transition from the student role to the role of competent registered nurse. The programme will assist you to further develop your clinical practice and critical thinking skills and become an active member of our nursing team. This requires a practice centred approach that develops confidence, clinical reasoning/decision making and acceptance of the responsibility of the registered nurse.
The graduate nurse represents the future of the nursing profession and as such we feel you should have the opportunity to develop your professional and practice roles in a supportive environment that models excellence in nursing practice, leadership, professionalism and best practice principles.
Introduction;
Recruitment and retention of nursing/midwifery staff is a current local, national and international concern. A national strategy has been developed to assist District Health Boards to provide a consistent learning framework for nursing graduates. This document is the Specification for Nursing Entry to Practice (NETP) Programme. The vision for this 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 service users and employers; and building a sustainable base for the New Zealand workforce into the future.”
SDHB’s NETP Programme has been created in consideration of the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s Standards for Nurse Entry to Practice Programme (NCNZ, 2005) and Clinical Training Agency Specifications.
SDHB Vision Statement;
Our vision is to provide excellent health care to our communities by continually improving the quality of these services.
SDHB Mission Statement;
Our mission is to provide quality and humanity in health.
NETP Philosophy;
Working in partnership with nurses to provide quality education whilst promoting the enhancement of professionalism through an ongoing supportive learning process. The prime focus is quality patient care and best practice by utilising evidence based practice and acquired skill models.
NETP Values;
Recognition of the professionalism of nurses
Provision of competent, responsive, culturally safe practice
Delivery of evidence based best practice in nursing
Promotion of nursing research
Provision of highest standards of care and health education
Promotion of the professionalism of nurses
The greatest thing that we can do is to value each other.
NETPProgramme Goals;
To provide a safe and supportive environment in which the graduate nurse gains clinical competency to a level consistent with a “competent” registered nurse.
To provide a framework to ensure that graduate nurses commencing employment in any of the participating services receive a comprehensive and consistent orientation.
To assist the graduate to make the transition from the role of student to the role of a professional registered nurse.
To establish a preceptorship link between a nursing graduate and an experienced nurse.
To promote continuing education and enhance professional development.
To encourage reflective practice.
To further develop their understanding and application of the requirements of professional accountability and ethical practice inherent in the role of the registered nurse.
To recognise the effects of skilled practice of nurses on quality patient outcomes
To retain nurses with competent skills by offering a robust learning framework.
Programme Entry Criteria And Selection Guidelines For Applicants:
- Nurses accepted onto the programme hold a nursing degree from a New Zealand nursing programme approved by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
- Nurses accepted onto the programme hold New Zealand registration within the Registered Nurse scope of practice.
- Nurses accepted onto the programme are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- Nurses accepted onto the programme hold a current annual practising certificate (APC) with no restrictions on that APC that would negatively impact on their ability to participate in the programme.
- Nurses must have graduated in the last year and not practised as an RN for longer than six months at the time they commence the programme.
(In exceptional circumstances, Southland District Health Board may offer a place to a nurse who has graduated over one year and less than 3 years ago, subject to his/her ability to meet the Council’s Competencies for the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice).
NETP ProgrammeOutcomes;
On Completion of the NETP Programme, the New Graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate safety in practice, clinical competence and technical skills pertinent to the areawithin their scope of practice.
- Meet the requirements of compulsory certification as designated by SDHB.
- Progress through the Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP), from Level 1 to Level 2 within 10 months of employment at SDHB.
- Demonstrate insight through self-reflection and identify implications that learning has on practice.
- Apply effective teamwork principles and provide evidence of how they work in an acute practice setting within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrate application of evidenced based practice.
- Contribute to enhanced patient care and service outcomes.
- Practice in a culturally safe manner.
- Incorporate the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi into practice.
- Meet legal and professional requirements of practice as specified by the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Vehicles to demonstrate outcomes;
Documents:
NETP Programme Policy
Preceptorship Policy
New Graduate Clinical Resource Kit
-including PDRP Resource Kit
-including self directed learning packages
Level 1 PDRP (at five months)
Level 2 PDRP + Portfolio submission (at 10 months)
Nursing Entry to Practice Programme Requirements
Certificates of attendance:
New Graduate Workshops
Other workshops relevant to clinical practice
Area specific orientation process
Preceptorship partnership
Regular clinical feedback
Clinical reasoning and judgement
Clinical assessment of patients – Case Study
Certificate of Achievement NETP Programme issued by SDHB
Benefits;
A structured learning framework that allows for the development and recognition of clinical practice.
Provides a positive career foundation.
Enhances professionalism by the development of nurses in the clinical setting.
Identifies areas for development whilst promoting strengths.
Empowering for nurses.
Professional accountability.
Acknowledges specific learning needs and opportunities.
Aids in individual development of professional practice.
Programme Structure;
The SDHB has a 10 month programme providing experience in general acute areas of SouthlandHospital and potentially specialty and/or primary placements. There are two clinical placement opportunities for negotiation - one (10 month) placement or two (five month) placements. The NETP Programme will be no less than 10 months duration to enable the expected learning outcomes to be met within the contracted 0.8 fte hours.
The programme acknowledges and values that for the newly registered nurse, clinical practice is the main area for teaching, learning and assessment. Workshops include focus on reflection of clinical experiences, scenario, case review and problem-based learning methodologies as well as skill station participation. This is to encourage skills such as clinical reasoning and judgement, inquiry and problem-solving techniques in order to assess and manage clinical events. The workshops deliver structured teaching and group learning methods by clinical educators and other accredited nursing education providers where appropriate.
A period of structured support is provided as the New Graduate learns the scope and responsibilities of the registered nurse. The New Graduate will be assisted by trained preceptors to create a personalised learning plan with goals to achieve. Each area has an orientation package outlining skills and attributes necessary for that particular area of practice. Some are competency based.
NEGOTIATED OPTION ONERotation one
(10 months)
Preceptorship timeframe
(six weeks total) / First six weeks of orientation to clinical
- lighter clinical load sharing for six weeks.
- at least first two weeks supernumerary then mirrored shifts for a total of six weeks
NEGOTIATED OPTION TWO
Rotation one
(5 months) / Rotation two
(5 months)
Preceptorship timeframe
(six weeks total) / First four weeks of orientation to clinical
- lighter clinical load sharing for four weeks.
- at least first two weeks supernumerary then mirrored shifts for a total of four weeks / First two weeks of orientation to clinical
- lighter clinical load sharing for two weeks.
The NETP Programme allows for the Preceptor and New Graduate to be released together for two development days so they can discuss progress and achievement of learning outcomes. It is expected that the first development day occurs in the first week of orientation and the second day will be at the end of the preceptorship partnership. On these days, both New Graduate and Preceptor are not to take a clinical load.
The SDHB NETP is intrinsically linked with the PDRP Programme. It is imperative that nurses develop and maintain evidence based practice and theoretical competence. This is also required evidence for the Nursing Council of New Zealand in order to maintain an annual practising certificate. Please refer to the PDRP Resource Manual or on the hospital intranet for more information.
Nursing Entry to Practice Resource Personnel;
Nurse Educator – Nursing Entry to Practice + Competence Assessment Programmes
Rosalie Wright
CommunityServicesBuilding
Ext: 8035
Email:
Practice Development Unit
All members of the Practice Development Unit can provide support and guidance on the NETP process and give assistance on the PDRP expectations.
NETP Advisory Committee (including NZNO representative)
This committee adviseson policy, support, and is an effective channel of communication on the NETP programme and itsprocesses. Any issues or concerns regarding the NETPprogramme may be taken to any member of the advisory committee to be discussed at the next appropriate meeting.
Other Resource/Support Personnel/Agencies
Director of Nursing & Midwifery
ADON – Education, Medical/Surgical
ADONM - Child and Maternal Services
Occupational HealthSafety Advisor
Maori Health Unit – Te Huinga Tahi
PacificIsland Nurses
Librarians
Employee Assistance Programme
NETP Resource Documents
Documents are available on the hospital intranet. Look on the Practice Development webpage (marked with apple and worm symbol) - then go to the NETP Programme page.
References
Clinical Training Agency. (2005). Specification for Nursing Entry to Practice (NetP) Programmes.
Nursing Council New Zealand. (2005). Competencies for the Registered Nurse
Scope of Practice. Wellington: Author.
Nursing Council of New Zealand, (2005). Standards for Nursing Entry to Practice Programmes. Wellington: Author.
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G:\CNS\Rosalie\New Grad\NETP\Prog docs\NETP Prog outline.doc
Author:R.Wright
Updated: 12/12/07