Registered Nurse Prescribers in Community Health (RNPCH) Training 2025
This programme delivers education and training to prepare a registered nurse (RN) to safely manage care for normally healthy people presenting with common acute illness using a limited formulary approved for the community health setting.
The RNPCH recertification programme reflects a commitment to achieve equity in health outcomes for Māori, Pasifika peoples and communities with health inequities; with associated responsibility in reducing inequity in health for our populations, and in provision of safe, quality healthcare services by professionals who are well trained and fit for purpose.
Course Components
The registered nurse will have access to the Midland Ko Awatea learning platform to complete six online learning modules supported by a seven-week online zoom series with presentations from Matanga Tapuhi/ Nurse Practitioner (NP) workforce from across the collaborative network. This is followed by clinical supervision supplied in your place of employment and the building of a clinical portfolio which will be submitted to the Nursing Council upon completion. The time span for this course is a maximum of 1 year.
There are two main components of the Midland Collaborative designated RNPCH programme:
1. A theoretical component
• Six compulsory self-directed online learning modules via Ko Awatea.
• Seven compulsory virtual group education evening sessions of 2-2.5 hours delivered via Zoom will be facilitated by the Midland Mātanga Tapuhi / Nurse Practitioner (NP) workforce delivered within a culturally competent nursing framework. This will consolidate the self-directed learning with further theoretical knowledge to inform the practical application within the nurse’s work setting.
2. A clinical practice component
• Includes clinical supervision provided by an authorised prescriber (e.g. a GP or Mātanga Tapuhi NP) within the work setting with structured 1meetings to develop
knowledge, and to support completion of a learning log using case studies to demonstrate competence.
• An additional workplace mentor who can provide support, coaching, guidance.
• Development of an electronic prescribing portfolio.
• Submission of the electronic portfolio to the Midland Collaborative designated RNPCH recertification programme for review and recommendation to NCNZ to be recertified as a designated RNPCH.
Entry Criteria
• A current NZ RN annual practicing certificate.
• Minimum of three years clinical experience with at least one year in the area of practice you will be prescribing.
• Application and Employer Support Declaration completed and submitted to the Midland Collaborative nominated nurse lead in your locality.
• There is no cost associated with participating in the course.
Course Dates
The annual RNPCH course will begin on Wednesday 15th May 2025, starting with 7 consecutive weekly Zoom presentations. There will also be a recommended optional preeducation session on Wednesday 8th May 2025.
All these sessions are via Zoom and links will be sent to participants upon registration in the RNPCH programme. Full course requirements are found in the documentation below.
Applications
Applications open on 1st December 2025 and close on Monday 22 April 2025 at 5pm
To apply please complete the applicant and employer support form2 and return by email to the nursing leads at nursing@wboppho.org.nz
If you have any questions, please email suem@wboppho.org.nz.
Frequently Asked Questions
For information such as how to apply, entry criteria, course costs and more please refer to the general information document3 . You can find these details from page 8 onwards.
Additional Resources
Te Kaunihera Tapuhi o Aoteaora or the Nurse Council of New Zealand’s webpage on Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health has two useful document resources available for download. They are also available below:
• Guideline for Registered Nurses Prescribing in Community Health (June 2023)
• Medicines List for Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health (June 2023)
• General Information for Applicants, Supervisors, Employers V3.0 (3).pdf