Supervision, study leave, and transition support

FOR CANDIDATES

We’re committed to ensuring Nurse Practitioner (NP) candidates are well-supported throughout their practicum and transition into independent practice. Here's what you can expect:

Clinical supervision and release time

To help you succeed during your NP practicum, you'll have access to:

  • Up to 350 hours of release time for structured clinical supervision within your primary placement. Supervision is provided by experienced clinicians who understand the NP scope of practice and offer real-time feedback, case discussions, and reflective learning

  • Up to 80 hours of release time for secondary placements, giving you broader clinical exposure across different settings

  • Up to 12 days of study leave and full coverage of course fees for two postgraduate papers to support your academic progression and programme completion.

Cultural support

Cultural Advisors provide a culturally safe space for Nurse Practitioner candidates to reflect, learn, and build confidence in applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice. As part of the NPTSS support network, they help candidates strengthen their cultural capability, explore practice through a cultural lens, and deliver equitable, culturally responsive care for the diverse communities of Aotearoa.

Support is tailored to each candidate's needs, recognising that individuals come with different experiences, knowledge, and levels of confidence. Through this developmental approach, candidates can enhance their cultural capability and readiness for NP practice in Aotearoa.

Peer support

You’ll have access to regular peer support sessions – both in-person and online – to foster community and shared learning among NP candidates. These sessions offer a safe space to:

  • Discuss challenges

  • Celebrate progress

  • Reduce professional isolation.

A secure digital platform will also be available for real-time communication and ad-hoc peer support.

This is especially valuable for those in rural or isolated placements, enabling timely collaboration and connection with mentors, supervisors, and peers across regions.

Transition and ongoing support after registration

Transitioning into your new role as a registered NP is a critical phase. We’ll work closely with employers to ensure that:

  • Employers have a clear understanding of the NP role and realistic expectations around caseloads and responsibilities

  • Reception and administration teams are informed about the NP’s scope to allocate appropriate patients

  • Clinical teams allow time for relationship-building with interdisciplinary teams and communities

  • Access to a transition toolkit outlining the NP model of care and scope of practice.

To support your growth and confidence during this phase, we will:

  • Establish regional NP champions to provide ongoing peer support and guidance

  • Offer opportunities to develop tailored Professional Development Plans

  • Continue formal mentoring for the first 6 months following NP registration with the Nursing Council.