New Zealand Nursing Program
Competence Assessment Programmes
New Zealand registered and enrolled nurses who have been out of practice for five years or more are required under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 to complete a competence assessment programme before they can be issued with a practising certificate.
If you have been out of nursing for less than five years, please see Returning to Practice page for more information.
If you are an internationally qualified nurse who wishes to gain registration as a nurse in New Zealand, please see International Registration for more information.
Competency assessment programmes are offered by Council-accredited providers, including schools of nursing, district health boards and other health service providers. See the list in the downloads box on the right of this page.
Support in the workplace
Starting any new job is always stressful. Starting a new job in a new country where people do things differently is even harder. It can affect everything you feel about your new adventure.
You need to be patient, stay open to new ideas, and take advantage of the various resources available to you.
Help with language and communication
To help you understand some of the finer points of communication in New Zealand workplaces, there’s an interactive learning tool you can use called Worktalk. It looks at how Kiwis at work fit in with each other, how we deal with conflict and the ways we give instructions and advice.
If English isn’t your first language, you may be able to access English for Employees courses run by English Language Partners, a not-for-profit community-based organisation.
English for Employees is a part time, flexible programme designed for people who are already in work. As well as looking at language, the course will also help you with understanding the workplace in New Zealand.
The course is free for citizens and permanent residents, but other migrants can join the classes at a cost.
Worktalk (http://worktalk.immigration.govt.nz/)
English for Employees | English Language Partners (https://www.englishlanguage.org.nz/learn-english-in-new-zealand/learn-english-for-work/)
Unions
Unions are organisations that represent groups of workers with employers. You have total freedom over whether or not you’ll join a union in your workplace. It is illegal for your employer to influence that decision.
If you choose to join a union, you will pay a membership fee, which can be paid directly or taken out of your wages.
More information about unions and which ones cover your occupation is available on the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) website.
Find your union | Council of Trade Unions (http://www.union.org.nz/find-your-union/)
Global Learners Programme
Work, earn, learn and live in England as part of the national health service.
The programme is the only UK government accredited programme for overseas nurses to work in the NHS. The Global Learners Programme offers an exciting educational opportunity for nurses to work in the NHS. You will have the chance to enhance and add to your existing skills whilst working in the NHS.
- New skills & knowledge
- Valuable experience
- Support and training
- Bring your family members
Training & support
The support package allows you to travel to the UK, where you can earn, plus enhance your skills and knowledge.
Getting to the UK
You will receive:
- Paid flight to the UK (Does not include family members)
- Visa to travel in and out of the UK
- Your family members can also come to the UK by applying for a visa
Once you arrive in the UK
You will receive:
- You will be met at the airport and transported to your living accommodation
- Food and drink provided on your arrival
- Your accommodation will be paid for the first 3 months (Does not include family members)
- A tour is provided of the local town, including a visit to the local supermarket, place of worship, bank and local attractions
- Free NHS Healthcare, up to 15hrs per week free childcare for 3-4 year olds and free enrolment at local state schools for children aged 5-16 Pension enrolment
- Free copy of the OET/HEE Living the Language publication for all GLP Nurses available here
At the hospital
You will receive:
- Welcome meeting and Trust induction
- Preceptorship programme
- A paid certificate of sponsorship
- Access to education and training opportunities
- 35 days’ annual leave (including public holidays)
- A named point of contact at the hospital to support you throughout the process
- A mentor provided by the hospital
- Your first attempt at the OSCE examination paid for, including travel to the test centre and accommodation
- The opportunity to work paid overtime/extra hours as you choose (subject to availability)
Salary
Starting salary: £18,813 per year
Upon receipt of NMC PIN Number, rising to: £24,414 per year
- The opportunity to join the National Health Service Pension Scheme
- The opportunity to work overtime and for professional progression

We understand that the ultimate aim of every individual immigrating to foreign countries is to fetch a higher standard of living. This is the new-age strategy that all prospective immigrants have adopted nowadays. Bee International is here to assist you to stay in the best countries. And don't worry, we will be with you in each and every step of your journey towards getting PR in the respective country. So, get ready to ace your PR ticket.