Government Launches Nurse Practitioner Training Scheme to Empower Nurses for Advanced Primary Care Roles

Over 340 nurses have shown interest in the government's plan to support 120 registered nurses annually in becoming nurse practitioners in primary care, with applications now open, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown. Nurse practitioners are skilled professionals who can assess, diagnose, treat patients, prescribe medications, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventive care, playing a crucial role in delivering quality care in primary and community settings. The Nurse Practitioner Training and Support Scheme (NPTSS) will assist nurses in completing their Master of Nursing qualification and transitioning into nurse practitioner roles, providing comprehensive support such as education costs, mentoring, and employer engagement to enhance the nursing workforce and patient outcomes in New Zealand.