New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 180 credits. 

Year One - Compulsory Courses

Nursing as a Profession: Enrolled Nursing (15 Credits)
Develop contemporary knowledge underpinning enrolled nursing practice.

Applied Social Science for Enrolled Nurses (15 Credits)
Learn key concepts from developmental, cultural and social theories and how these influence the health of consumers, families/whanau and the community.

Applied Structure and Function of the Human Body (15 Credits)
Learn to understand and apply the basic structure and function of major body systems to enrolled nursing practice.

Clinical Skills for Enrolled Nursing (15 Credits)
Safely practise skills in a simulated clinical setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Foundations for Enrolled Nursing Practice (30 Credits) (250 Clinical Hours)
Undertake clinical experience in a range of healthcare settings to meet entry-level Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Acute Care (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes in an acute care (medical/surgical/peri-operative) setting to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

Year Two - Compulsory Courses

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Rehabilitation (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice in settings that support the principles of rehabilitation.

Enrolled Nursing Practice: Mental Health and Addictions (30 Credits) (50 Clinical Simulation Hours) (150 Clinical Hours)
Learn to demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitudes when working with health consumers in mental health settings to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand competencies for the enrolled nurse scope of practice.

All applications are required to:

• Declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed; and
• Authorise UCOL Te Pūkenga to obtain a background check from the New Zealand Police Licensing and Vetting Agency; and
• Complete a Health Declaration Form; and
• Hold a first aid certificate (Red Cross Comprehensive or St John's Workplace), which is current at the time the programme starts.
• Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s). Your referee reports, personal statement and interview (if required) should provide evidence of appropriateness to study in the nursing profession. In your personal statement you should outline why you have chosen nursing as a career and describe the personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.
• Provide certified copies of all relevant documentation.

The Head of School of Nursing may require learners to provide additional information before the admission is confirmed.

Applicants under 20 years of age:

NCEA Level 2

Applicants over 20 years of age:
Applicants 20 years or older with no formal academic qualifications must provide evidence of literacy, numeracy and an ability to study at the appropriate level. This can be through study, work and/or life experience.

Equivalence may include but is not limited to:

• Equivalent academic qualifications
• Other academic qualifications
• Successful previous tertiary experience
• Employment history
• Satisfactory results from a diagnostic test
• Literacy/numeracy level
• Life skills
• Recommendation/Testimonial

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

International learners will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet New Zealand University Entrance requirements. In addition, in accordance with NCNZ (2007a) and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act [HPCA] (2003) requirements, international students whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the general medium of instruction is not English, will be required to provide documentary evidence of proficiency in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 in all bands (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

UCOL Te Pūkenga will undertake a safety check of all learners after enrolment to ensure UCOL Te Pūkenga meets the legislative requirements of the Vulnerable Children Act, 2014.  UCOL Te Pūkenga will do this on behalf of Hospitals, District Health Boards, Primary Health Organisations and GP practices which host UCOL Te Pūkenga learner placements.  The safety check involves confirming the learner's work history, verifying their suitability to work with children with a trusted referee, and completing New Zealand Police vetting. 

Clinical Placements
As preparation to becoming a qualified registered enrolled nurse, learners will undertake 900 hours of clinical practice in a variety of health care settings.

Learners studying the UCOL Te Pūkenga New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing in Horowhenua will undertake their clinical placements in Whanganui. Travel and accommodation are at their own cost. The placements will include:

• Aged care - foundation - 7 weeks
• Rehabilitation - 4 weeks
• Medical/surgical - 4 weeks
  
• Mental health - 4 weeks

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).

Domestic Fees: Currently eligible for fees-free

Year 1 - 2024 fees TBC

Year 2 - 2024 fees TBC

International Fees

Year 1 - $25,000.00 + Student Services Levy Fee $575.00 - $595.00 (Estimated/TBC)

Year 2 (Final 6 months) - $12,500.00 + Student Services Levy Fee of $287.50 (Estimated/TBC)