Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between the PDRP and the annual practising certificates?  Can I be audited by Nursing Council if I am on a PDRP?

A PDRP may be approved by Nursing Council as meeting the requirements for a practising certificate. The Regional PDRP was granted approval by Nursing Council of New Zealand in June 2006. Any nurse successful on this PDRP will not be audited by Council as they will already be deemed "competent" by Nursing Council.

The differences between PDRP and NCNZ audit are many. The PDRP exists to:

• Advance professional development in nursing
• Support nurses in demonstrating competency to the Nursing Council  
• Fulfil obligations negotiated under the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Nurses’ MECA

Nursing Council is the statutory authority that governs the practice of nurses. The HPCA Act (2003) requires the Council to ensure the continuing competence of practitioners to protect public safety. Therefore competence evaluation is carried out through a 5 percent random audit of nurses per annum. Council is legally obliged under the Act to monitor and audit competence. If the nurse audited has not provided sufficient evidence, Council will request that further evidence is supplied within a few weeks of notification before the annual practising certificate can be issued.

On the other hand, PDRP is an organisational programme that recognises and rewards the valuable contributions of our nurses to patient care outcomes. It offers support for nurses to demonstrate their level of practice on level 2 (Competent), level 3 (Proficient), level 4 (Expert) or Accomplished levels, in addition to providing exemption from Council’s audit processes. The level 2 (competent) is therefore very closely aligned to Council’s audit processes with only minimal differences.

In assessing competencies, feedback and encouragement is given to nurses submitting portfolios. If an applicant has not yet met the requirements of the level applied for, a supportive development plan is given. The goal of PDRP is to have nurses achieve and applicants regularly feedback how helpful the PDRP process has been.

It is vital to feel valued and appreciated for the important work nurses do. The PDRP is an excellent tool to provide individualised direct feedback on their nursing practice. 

Is there capping of numbers at applications to Proficient and Expert levels?

No, it is open to all who can demonstrate the criteria for each level have been met.

Do I have to do this?  Is being on a PDRP compulsory?

PDRP is now mandatory within Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau.  The expectation is that all nurses complete a portfolio at the appropriate level, as discussed with their managers.

How are the assessors selected and trained?

Click here for Applications to become an assessor; Applicants will require a letter of support from their line managers and/or Directors of Nursing. 

Assessors are trained by the Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau PDRP coordinator with a mix of LEARN modules and face to face teaching.

How difficult is it to attain the "Expert" level of recognition and payment?

This level is sufficiently difficult in order to indicate that the expert level is a level which shows skill and expertise and as such is to be valued. The criteria set is consistent with national standards in other Health NZ regional programmes and complies with the national framework for PDRPs as per the MECA settlement. Criteria at the expert level is challenging and has been selected to differentiate expertise.

How long does the process take?

The process should take no longer than eight weeks from the date of submission, however, there are occasions where it may take longer, in which case you are notified that this is the case. 

How often do I need to submit a PDRP?

A PDRP is valid for three years once achieved.

What if I'm not a member of NZNO?

This does not stop you from joining the PDRP.

What does it mean at "Expert" level engages in postgraduate education or equivalent?

Postgraduate education is set at Level 8 and must be relevant to the area of practise. Postgraduate certificates, diplomas and Masters Degrees all meet this requirement.

The educational equivalence option reduces barriers for many nurses who have not had access to Level 8 education but who have achieved the equivalent knowledge, skills and attributes through other pathways. Nurses who have not done Level 8 education who plan to submit at Expert level would be required to supply evidence on professional activities that impact on practice at level 4. Consider: What professional development activities have you used to effect change in your area of practice and how have you implemented this and measured improvement?

How will I know which level of the PDRP I should submit under?

Please read the criteria for each level and discuss with your CNM/CNE and/or PDRP coordinator.  Please note you can only submit at the level your manager endorses.

If a colleague asks me to do a peer review, how will I know what information to give?

Ideally your peer assessor will already hold a current PDRP so therefore, be familiar with the process.  In the event they do not, please refer to the peer assessment guidance forms under forms and templates.

Is there study leave associated with submitting a portfolio?

Staff working on preparing their portfolio or maintaining their skill levels associated with PDRP may require additional time to undertake research or study associated with the PDRP depending on your Employee Agreement. This may be negotiated with your Clinical Nurse Manager.  For Health NZ staff please refer to the Health NZ/NZNO SECA (or other agreement) which outlines additional leave requirements or discuss with your Clinical Nurse Manager. 

How much reflection am I expected to do on my professional development?

Nursing Council of New Zealand has recently issued new requirements regarding reflection on professional development activities.

Evidence of professional development hours (a minimum of 60 hours in the last three years) must be verified by your employer or nurse educator. This must also include a summary of the actual hours, signed by your employer or educator to confirm your participation. This person is to include his or her name, designation, address and phone number.

The Nursing Council expect you to complete either three key reflections (1 per A4 page) or a statement for each professional development activity completed (minimum of three) on page 6 of the Aotearoa collaborative PDRP template. Please note it should equate to the same amount of work, so if you only add one sentence for each professional development activity on page 6, you will likely to be asked to provide more information.

You should provide information on the professional development activity you did, what you learned and how each activity influenced your practice.