Celebrating 25 years of Nurse Practitioners in Aotearoa
The Nurse Practitioner Training Support Scheme (NPTSS) celebrates 25 years of the Nurse Practitioner profession in Aotearoa, first established in New Zealand in 2001 by the Ministry of Health and the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Sarah Bothamley, Nurse Practitioner Lead at NPTSS, says that seeing the profession reach this significant milestone of 25 years in Aotearoa is a powerful reminder of how far the NP role has come in New Zealand. “It represents decades of advocacy, perseverance, and commitment to improving access to high-quality healthcare. It is a celebration of the profession’s maturity, and the growing recognition of the value NPs bring to communities across the motu.”
The NP role has evolved from a small, pioneering group to a respected and essential part of the health workforce. The evolution reinforces that we’re moving in the right direction. It also highlights the trust New Zealanders place in NPs and the impact we have on patient outcomes, equity, and system sustainability, explains Bothamley.
When thinking about what the next 25 years can look like for the profession, Bothamley says her wish is for NPs to be fully utilised, fully supported, and fully recognised as autonomous clinicians. “I hope to see more NPs in rural and underserved communities, more leadership opportunities, and a health system that embraces NP-led models of care as a standard, not an exception.”
Bothamley attended the celebration event at Parliament on 30 April and reports that it was inspiring to stand in Parliament alongside colleagues, leaders, and champions of NPs. “I loved hearing the stories – from the early trailblazers to the newest NPs, each one reflecting passion and resilience. It was an event that truly honoured the past while looking confidently toward the future.”
The purpose of NPTSS
NPTSS supports registered nurses (RN) through the final practicum year of their Master of Nursing qualification and into their new scope of practice as NPs. The purpose is to reduce some of the barriers to NP education and therefore increase the number of NPs in the country, particularly in primary care.
NPTSS supports up to 180 candidates each year, with 120 places allocated to primary and community care, and 60 to specialist areas such as mental health and emergency departments. The scheme offers a comprehensive package that includes funding, mentoring, and support for the NP candidates.
NPTSS looks forward to being part of delivering the next generation of NPs to the health workforce.
Read more about the celebration event held at Parliament – NP 25th anniversary celebrated by trailblazers and pioneers | New Zealand Doctor.