Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)* He Tohu Pōkairua Nāh

*Subject to approval from NZQA and the Nursing Council of New Zealand

Welcome to our enrolled nursing course page. This is where you can find the information you need to learn about your exciting and rewarding career as an enrolled nurse in New Zealand.

Please note - this course is still pending approval and is not currently open for enrolments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two young women checking an IV drip during their enrolled nurse course nz

What is an enrolled nurse?

As an enrolled nurse, your role is to provide nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care, rehabilitation, and mental health. You’ll work under the direction of a registered nurse or other registered health practitioner and together you’ll make sure your patients receive quality care.

Why become an enrolled nurse?

Enrolled nurses are crucial carers in our community. The role goes beyond just caring for others. It involves building a strong and trusted partnership within your community, advocating for patients, rehabilitating them, teaching them, and offering support to those around you.

Should I become an enrolled nurse or a registered nurse?

Becoming an enrolled nurse can be a great choice if you’re looking for a shorter way to a healthcare career. The qualification typically takes 18 months rather than 3 years, and student loans are less.

This manageable timeframe makes it easier to balance personal life, children, and work outside of study.

Enrolled nurses have less overarching responsibility than registered nurses, but still have the opportunity to work in all areas of healthcare. And despite the shorter study time, enrolled nurses are well-paid, earning between $60,000 and $75,000.

A bit about our enrolled nursing qualification

Our qualification is being designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this role and set you up for a fulfilling career ahead.

We cater to students from diverse backgrounds, whether you're a recent high school graduate, a mature student seeking a career change, or looking to enhance your existing skills. Everyone is welcome.

Our experienced tutors will guide you through the course content, which includes:

  • Learning how the human body works and how it affects health and sickness

  • The principles and practices of nursing, including taking care of patients and evaluating care

  • Knowing the legal and ethical issues that nurses face, such as confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

  • Learning practical skills like checking vital signs, giving injections, and taking care of wounds

  • Caring for patients with mental health issues, including substance abuse, anxiety, and depression

  • Taking care of patients and their families near the end of life.

Understanding medications and how to give them to patients.

  • Learning how to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with patients through therapeutic communication, ensuring cultural safety, adhering to professional standards

  • Learning to build trust with patients and help them achieve their health goals.

 

Clinical Placements – putting it into practice

You’ll gain real nursing experience through 900 hours of clinical placements with a range of leading private hospitals.

200 of those hours will take place in our Clinical Simulation Suite with our experienced tutors so that you are confident in your skills before your clinical placements.

  • Clinical placements will then show you the realities of being an enrolled nurse and will allow you to:

    • develop and apply your knowledge and skills

    • develop attitudes and insights related to being an enrolled nurse

    • review your own knowledge and skills as you develop

    • gain experience within specific areas of nursing.

We have agreements with a number of placement providers to ensure that all of our students have access to quality assured placements.

HANZ Mar 2023 049 (1)

 

What happens when I graduate?

When you complete our qualification, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand as an enrolled nurse. This will mean you can work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, and community health centres.

The skills that you acquire are also transferable for employment internationally but how they are applied in practice will be different internationally.

Check out our Career Pathway page for more information

 

To study this qualification with us you will require:

  • NCEA Level 2 for school leavers

  • Or you might already be employed, or wishing to be employed, in the health sector.

First Year Fees Free

Your first year of study could be completely free. For more details and to check your eligibility, contact us directly.

Student loans

If you meet certain conditions you can get a student loan and allowances. Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz

Course costs

The cost can be different depending on the subject and duration of the course. Our course costs are currently being reviewed.

 

We encourage you to explore our program and contact us with any queries you may have. Let's take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare together!

 

Care for a career at the Healthcare Academy of New Zealand