FOR CLINICAL SUPERVISORS
Supervising a candidate
The requirements for being a clinical supervisor for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) candidate is that you are a senior NP or senior doctor. It is an important role and you may have some questions about how the NPTSS helps the candidate. We are here to ensure NP candidates are well-supported throughout their practicum and transition into independent practice.
Clinical supervision and release time
To help candidates succeed during their NP practicum, they get access to:
Up to 350 hours of release time for structured clinical supervision within their 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 them broader clinical exposure across different settings.
Cultural supervision
To uphold equity and culturally safe practice, dedicated cultural supervision is available for Māori and Pacific NP candidates. These supervisors also support those working with Māori, Pacific, and other minority communities helping embed culturally responsive approaches into clinical care.
This support is essential for developing confident, competent practitioners who deliver care that is respectful, inclusive, and aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It also strengthens the NP workforce’s ability to meet the needs of Aotearoa’s diverse populations.
Frequently asked questions
Can the clinical supervisor and referee be the same person?
Yes, the referee and clinical supervisor can be the same person.
Does a clinical supervisor need to be a fellow, or can an experienced registrar or senior doctor act as a supervisor?
You do not need to be a fellow. The key requirement is that you can provide clinical support and commit to the role.
If the candidate changes employment or internship location, do they need a new supervisor?
Yes. The supervisor must be from the same area of employment to provide hands-on support.
Is a clinical mentor with two years’ NP experience acceptable?
We’d encourage candidates to direct any questions about clinical mentors to their chosen academic provider as it is the academic provider that ultimately approves the clinical mentor.
From the NCNZ education standards: The academic provider must negotiate the practicum and clinical mentors for each student and have a process to assess them as satisfactory to enable student learning before the commencement of the practicum and for the duration of it.