Overview of the Professional Development Recognition Programme
The Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is a significant initiative for nurses in New Zealand.
National programme: Endorsed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).
Purpose:
- Advance professional development in nursing.
- Support nurses in demonstrating competency to the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
- Fulfil obligations under the NZNO Nurses’ MECA.
Promote and reward expertise: Recognises and rewards nursing expertise.
Quality patient outcomes: Acknowledges the contribution of nurses to quality patient health outcomes.
Alignment: Developed to align with the national framework and integrate national evidential requirements.
Compulsory participation: Nurses must hold a current and relevant PDRP to progress in their careers, which also exempts them from Nursing Council audits.
NZNO Nurses’ MECA: Nurses covered by this agreement can achieve financial rewards at proficient, expert and accomplished levels.
Refresh of the Professional Development Recognition Programme
A cross-sector team is working to refresh PDRPs to reflect the Nursing Council’s latest scopes of practice and standards of competence for enrolled and registered nurses.
Refreshed PDRPs that are more accessible and nationally consistent will be in place by early 2026.
Our existing PDRP frameworks will apply until then.
Guidance and information by district
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora regions support PDRPs for their nurses. Find your local information here.
Canterbury
Canterbury
Contacts:
- Email: pdrp@cdhb.health.nz
- Phone: 021 524 581
Initiate process
Te Kāhui Kōkiri Mātanga Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) provides an opportunity for nurses to articulate and demonstrate their knowledge, skill, experience, attitudes, values, and leadership within the practice environment by providing a portfolio of evidence for assessment, at a PDRP level which reflects their current practice. In return the nurse will receive employer support, encouragement and recognition for their commitment and contribution to nursing practice.
- This process also meets the standards of continuing competence requirements for the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
- Liaise with your Line Manager if you need to renew or upgrade your PDRP portfolio. The Line Manager will need to support your application at whichever level you are applying for.
- If you have questions at the beginning or through out this process, contact the PDRP Canterbury Office - pdrp@cdhb.health.nz
- You should begin documenting examples of your clinical practice, against the standards of competence, as soon as you have approval to begin your portfolio.
Documents:
Access guidelines and templates
- Locate the RN/EN or Designated Senior Nurse Guidelines, for the level you wish to complete.
- Set out your portfolio in the order of the checklist.
- Note your submission can be provided in soft copy (digital format), that can be compressed to a Zip folder or hard copy folders.
Documents:
- Registered Nurse Competent Guidelines [PDF, 996 KB]
- Registered Nurse Proficient Guidelines [PDF, 1.6 MB]
- Registered Nurse Expert Guidelines [PDF, 984 KB]
- Enrolled Nurse Competent Guidelines [PDF, 1007 KB]
- Enrolled Nurse Proficient Guidelines [PDF, 869 KB]
- Enrolled Nurse Accomplished Guidelines [PDF, 842 KB]
- Designated Senior Nurse Guidelines [PDF, 2.6 MB]
- Quality Improvement/Change of Practice Initiative Form [PDF, 281 KB]
- Teaching Plan [PDF, 155 KB]
- Reflection on Professional Development [PDF, 242 KB]
- Clinical Specialty Resource Role [PDF, 184 KB]
Complete the portfolio
Include required documents:
- Copy of Annual Practicing Certificate
- Hours of Practice Evidence (minimum 450 hours, verified by Line Manager/HR Dept)
- Current Self-Assessment Competence Assessment (Against NCNZ Competencies and indicators within last 12 months, verified by a designated Senior Nurse or approved peer RN)
- Professional Development Evidence (60 hours within last 3 years, verified attendance)
- Three Reflections on Professional Development (Either short reflections per activity or three key activities and the impact on practice)
- Verification of Portfolio Level Discussion (With Manager or Equivalent Designated Senior Nurse)
- Current Curriculum Vitae - Providing work and education history (Required for proficient and expert accomplished levels only)
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Canterbury nurses will now submit a portfolio only via electronic means (Mahara ePortfolio) PDRP Introductory course on healthLearn - ePortfolio RGIT003
Assessment
- Allow for the assessment process to take up to 10 weeks.
- However, in some instances, additional evidence may be required.
- If extra evidence is requested, you will have 6 weeks to provide your evidence to the requestor. If this is not received within the 6 weeks the PDRP Coordinator can amend submission dates.
- Once received, you will receive notification of success from the Canterbury PDRP office.
- All applicants will receive feedback from their portfolio assessment which should minimise the need for an Appeals process, however if an applicant disagrees with the outcome of their portfolio a nurse may make a formal appeal against a decision using the Appeals Notification Form.
- An appeal must be submitted within 7 working days of notification that application was unsuccessful.
If you are transferring from any other PDRP Endorsed Programme throughout New Zealand, please use the attached form below.
Documents:
Submit the completed portfolio
- Hard copy post, or Zip the completed digital portfolio and attached files.
- Email to PDRP@cdhb.health.nz for assessment.
- If required by your facility, cc in your line manager.
Assessor information
If you are interested in becoming an assessor with Te Kāhui Kōkiri Mātanga PDRP please have a conversation with your line manager, then complete the following:
Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley - Capital Coast
Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley - Capital Coast
Portfolio requirements — Enrolled Nurses
Portfolio requirements — Registered Nurses
Portfolio requirements — Designated Senior Nurse
Senior Expert portfolio requirements
Contacts
Contacts for the Professional Development and Recognition Program (PDRP):
- Capital Coast, email PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz
PDRP news
New Performance Review Documents
Please note from the 1st of June 2025 new performance review documents should be used for all Capital and Coast PDRP submissions. These can be found within the documents in the Portfolio requirements sections
Peer assessments
Please note peer assessments are no longer part of PDRP requirements. Instead, each nurse requires an attestation (formal verification/agreement) signed by either their manager or a Designated Senior nurse, which confirms that the self-assessment and examples are a true reflection of the nurse’s practice.
Newsletters
The PDRP Newsletter for the Capital and Coast PDRP are there to keep everyone up-to date with current changes, processes and celebrate our nurses completing their PDRPs.
PDRP newsletter May 2025 [PDF, 6.6 MB]
PDRP newsletter February 2025 [PDF, 5.3 MB]
PDRP newsletter June 2024 [PDF, 4.3 MB]
PDRP newsletter April 2024 [PDF, 4.8 MB]
PDRP newsletter November 2023 [PDF, 8.3 MB]
Important documents
- Capital Coast PDRP handbook for enrolled nurses and registered nurses [PDF, 991 KB]
- Capital Coast PDRP handbook for senior nurses [PDF, 1.4 MB]
- Continuing competence — Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)
If you are completing an electronic PDRP: There are resources for using the electronic PDRP (ePDRP). These are updated regularly so please contact PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz for the most up-to-date version.
Portfolio requirements — Enrolled Nurses
Competent portfolio requirements
- Portfolio assessment tool (PAT) EN Competent [DOC, 226 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment [DOCX, 269 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- CV (optional)
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Proficient portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) EN Proficient [DOC, 227 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ register) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment - EN proficient [DOCX, 268 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Accomplished portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) EN Accomplished [DOC, 239 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ register) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment - EN Accomplished [DOCX, 268 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- [DOCX, 206 KB]Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Portfolio requirements — Registered Nurses
Competent portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) RN Competent [DOC, 234 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment RN Competent [DOCX, 273 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum Vitae (optional)
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Proficient portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) RN Proficient [DOC, 236 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment RN Proficient [DOCX, 273 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum Vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Expert portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) RN Expert [DOC, 237 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- Annual Performance Review - Full self-assessment RN Expert [DOCX, 270 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum Vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
Portfolio requirements - Designated Senior Nurse
Senior PDRP portfolio requirements
- Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) Senior [DOC, 211 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- NCNZ competencies - Full self-assessment - Senior [DOCX, 206 KB]
- Additional evidence of influencing the quality of nursing practice, service delivery and patient outcomes in the directorate or organisation.
- Annual Performance Review - Designated Senior Nurse [DOCX, 213 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours [DOC, 197 KB]
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum Vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
- **A current role description is no longer required** However this may be requested by the portfolio assessor.
Senior Expert portfolio requirements
- 1 x Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) RN Expert [DOC, 237 KB] (completed in your area) and Portfolio Assessment Tool (PAT) Senior [DOC, 211 KB]
- Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
- Copy of APC (print profile from NCNZ) (external link)
- NCNZ competences - full self-assessment - Senior Expert [DOCX, 203 KB]
- Annual Performance Review - Designated Senior Nurse [DOCX, 213 KB]
- Evidence of practice hours [DOC, 197 KB]
- Professional development and career plan (PDCP) [DOCX, 433 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
- Curriculum Vitae
- Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]
- **A current role description is no longer required** However this may be requested by the portfolio assessor.
Expanded Practice Requirements
Coming soon. If templates are required please contact the PDRP coordinator PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz
Annual Performance Review Revalidation
Enrolled nurses (EN) | Registered nurses (RN) | Senior nurses (SN) |
Portfolio submissions
Competent and Proficient level portfolios are assessed within the clinical area by portfolio assessors who have completed the PDRP Assessors workshop and are current on the PDRP.
Accomplished, Senior Expert and Expert level portfolios are sent to the address below and must be received by the Nurse Coordinator - Professional Development by the 1st of the month to be assessed by the panel for that month. They should be sent to:
Nurse Coordinator - Professional Development
C/- Workforce and Practice Development Unit
Level 11 Grace Neill Block
Wellington Regional Hospital
Private Bag 7902
Wellington South
Transfer of PDRP
The transfer of PDRP is required for:
- nurses who are new to the organisation (external transfers)
- existing employees transferring to a new role within the organisation (internal transfers).
Please complete a PDRP transfer application form [DOCX, 399 KB] and send to PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz
For nurses in the primary sector, the new employing organisation must have a PDRP agreement (MOU) with the district.
2025 PDRP workshops
All workshops are available to book through Connect Me (external link), or contact Captial Coast, email PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz or Hutt Valley, email PDRP@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
- 2025 Portfolio development workshops (2 hours) [DOCX, 559 KB]
- 2025 PDRP assessor workshops (8 hours) [DOCX, 558 KB]
- 2025 PDRP assessor update workshop (1 hour) [DOCX, 558 KB]
Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley - Hutt Valley
Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley - Hutt Valley
New RN and EN competency standards and PDRP
Nursing Council New Zealand (NCNZ) have published new RN and EN scopes and competency standards. These come into effect from 20 January 2025. APC declarations and NCNZ recertification audits will reflect the new competency standards from 1 April 2025. More information available on Nursing Council NZ website.
Nursing Council New Zealand website (external link)
A number of nurses are asking what this means for the PDRP. For the time being, nothing is changing. We do not anticipate any changes to our local PDRP programmes regarding the new Standards of Competence before January 2026.
New Attestation (verification) process replaces 'peer assessment'
Effective from 1st April 2025 there will no longer be requirement for a nursing peer assessment against each of the NCNZ competencies. Instead the manager / delegated designated senior nurse is required to provide an attestation statement (verification/ agreement) that the competency self-assessments and examples from practice are a true reflection of the nurse’s practice.
The expectation is that before providing this verification, the manager / delegated senior nurse will first check that each of the nurse’s self-assessments meet the required PDRP portfolio standards and provide feedback to the nurse if they do not. The attestation/verification:
- Must be completed by the nurse’s manager or a delegated designated senior nurse.
- Must include the sentence: “This self-assessed evidence of competence is, to the best of my knowledge, an accurate reflection of this nurse’s practice”
- Must include the verifier’s APC
- Must include the job role/title of the verifier, if this is not the manager
- Must be completed for each of the four domains
Important documents
Submitting a portfolio for assessment
Nurses working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora must submit their PDRP through the ePortfolio on Ko Awatea. Paper portfolios are only accepted from our community partners.
Nurses working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora or community organisations in Hutt Valley should use the Hutt Valley documents where specified. Please email pdrp@huttvalleydhb.org.nz for the most up to date portfolio template including the level you wish to complete.
Submission dates for Expert, Accomplished and Senior portfolios are the last day of the month (January to November inclusive).
For help with PDRP portfolios, please speak with your CNM, ACNM or nurse educator, or attend a PDRP workshop. Dates for PDRP can be found on Ko Awatea or please email pdrp@huttvalleydhb.org.nz.
Registered nurses
The documents below are for your information and use. Please see the documents for the appropriate level.
Competent RN
Competent EN
Proficient portfolio (RN)
Proficient portfolio (EN)
Expert RN
- Expert RN self and senior nurse assessment [DOCX, 80 KB]
- Evidence of involvement in wider service [DOC, 199 KB]
- Quality improvement plan [DOC, 198 KB]
Accomplished EN
- Accomplished EN self and senior nurse assessment [DOC, 408 KB]
- Evidence of involvement in wider service [DOC, 199 KB]
- Quality improvement plan [DOC, 198 KB]
Designated senior nurse portfolio (RN)
The transfer of PDRP is required for:
- nurses who are new to the organisation (external transfers)
- existing employees transferring to a new role within the organisation (internal transfers).
For nurses in the primary sector, the new employing organisation must have a PDRP agreement (MOU) with the district.
Send your PDRP transfer application to PDRP@huttvalleydhb.org.nz
PDRP transfer application form (external link)
ePortfolio
Currently, all nurses working in Hutt Hospital, local regional public health and district nursing use ePortfolio. Paper portfolios are only accepted from local NGOs, ARC and PHOs. If you work for a health organisation within the Hutt Valley area, such as a PHO, NGO or ARC, we can arrange access to ePortfolio for you. Email: PDRP@huttvalleydhb.org.nz to discuss using ePortfolio.
All of the how-to guides for ePortfolio are below and within the Ko Awatea LEARN.
How to use ePortfolio
- ePort1: How to get started with ePortfolio [PDF, 1.1 MB]
- ePort2: Creating an ePortfolio [PDF, 1.3 MB]
- ePort3: How to write and share competencies [PDF, 1 MB]
- ePort4: How to upload documents to ePortfolio [PDF, 1.2 MB]
- ePort5: How to add additional pages to your portfolio [PDF, 1.1 MB]
- ePort6: How to submit your portfolio [PDF, 1.1 MB]
- ePort11: How to share your portfolio [PDF, 1.1 MB]
- ePort12: How to print your APC [PDF, 1.1 MB]
- ePort13: How to share your ePortfolio with a secret URL [PDF, 956 KB]
- ePort14: How to download (export) your ePortfolio [PDF, 940 KB]
For senior/peer reviewers, managers and portfolio assessors
Help and support
Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay
Health NZ - Hawke's Bay PDRP is accredited by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) to meet the competency assessment component of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 2003. Health NZ - Hawke's Bay PDRP includes NCNZ requirements for annual practicing certificates (APC). If you are currently employed by Health NZ - Hawke's Bay or a Primary Health Care (PHC) organisation that has a MOU with Health NZ - Hawke's Bay and you have a Health NZ - Hawke's Bay PDRP portfolio, you will meet NCNZ requirements and will not be audited by NCNZ.
Below are all the necessary documents for assist with completion of your PDRP.
PDRP Submissions dates 2025 [PDF, 78 KB]
Portfolio Clinics 2025 [PDF, 134 KB]
PDRP Handbook 2025 [PDF, 428 KB]
Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Application for Transfer PDRP Level [DOCX, 181 KB]
Competencies for Registered Nurses - Nursing Council of New Zealand [PDF, 180 KB]
Templates for RN Portfolios
RN PDRP Competent [DOCX, 60 KB]
RN PDRP Proficient [DOCX, 63 KB]
RN PDRP Expert [DOCX, 64 KB]
Designated Senior Nurses PDRP [DOCX, 77 KB]
Templates for EN Portfolios
EN PDRP Competent [DOCX, 61 KB]
EN PDRP Proficient [DOCX, 64 KB]
EN PDRP Accomplished [DOCX, 64 KB]
Additional templates
Professional development hours [DOCX, 174 KB]
Reflection on Professional Development [DOCX, 175 KB]
Quality Improvement Activity [DOCX, 189 KB]
Teaching Session and Evaluation [DOCX, 178 KB]
Peer Case Review [DOCX, 183 KB]
Contact
Kathy Monson, PDRP Coordinator
Email: kathryn.monson@hbdhb.govt.nz
Phone: 027 302 2821
Manawatū-Whanganui
Manawatū-Whanganui
This program ensures that enrolled nurses (ENs) and registered nurses (RNs) maintain a professional portfolio, which is also recommended for those in the primary sector.
Education and workshops
- PDRP Education Workshops: These workshops provide essential information on developing a professional portfolio.
- Resource Nurse PDRP Assessor Workshop: Available for nurses and managers who assess PDRP portfolios.
- Intranet Education Calendar: Check for dates and times of these workshops.
Professional portfolio
- Submission: Portfolios should be submitted from February to November to the education centre
- Deadline: Submit at least six weeks before the portfolio expires.
Transfer of PDRP
- For new and transferring Nurses: Required for both external and internal transfers.
- Primary Sector: The new employer must have a PDRP Agreement (MOU) with MidCentral.
- Validity: The transfer is valid until the original portfolio expires or for 12 months from the date of employment.
- New portfolio: Must be completed and assessed before the transferred PDRP expires.
- Request form: Complete and email to Renee Galloway: renee.galloway@midcentraldhb.govt.nz
Contact
Renee Galloway
- Phone 06 350 8208
- Email: renee.galloway@midcentraldhb.govt.nz
Registered Nurse |
Designated Senior Nurse |
Enrolled Nurse |
Self and Peer Assessments: |
Self and Peer Assessments: |
Self and Peer Assessments: |
Portfolio Assessor Tool: |
Portfolio Assessor Tool: |
Portfolio Assessor Tool: |
Rotorua and Taupō
Rotorua and Taupō
Documents required for joining Health NZ Lakes PDRP
Process and requirements for community nurses to access Health NZ Lakes PDRP programme:
A signed memorandum of understanding is required before nurses from community organisations can participate in Health NZ Lakes PDRP:
Outline of the process to complete, submit and maintain a PDRP portfolio:
Submission documentation
Log in to Ko Awatea (external link) to find the specific documentation requirements.
If you do not have access to Ko Awatea, contact:
- email: pdu.admin@lakesdhb.govt.nz
South Canterbury
South Canterbury
The South Canterbury region participates in the Te Kahui Kokiri Matanga Regional PDRP Programme. You can access all resources, policies, and guidelines on the Canterbury and South Canterbury intranets. For further assistance, please contact the South Canterbury coordinator.
Contact Information:
- Anneke Dossett, PDRP Coordinator South Canterbury
- Email: adossett@scdhb.health.nz
- Phone: (03) 687 2344
Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti
We use Ko Awatea Learn for PDRP.
Ko Awatea Learn (external link)
Learn how to access Ko Awatea, create a portfolio and share it with the Tairāwhiti assessors:
Download the Ko Awatea e-portfolio guide [PDF, 923 KB]
If you have issues creating an account:
- email: education@tdh.org.nz
Taranaki
Taranaki
Regional Professional Development and Recognition Programme (PDRP)
The Professional Development Recognition Programme for nurses (PDRP) is a professional development programme designed to recognise and reward nurses for their individual level of practice and their contribution to nursing.
This programme was developed in conjunction with Midlands Health. The PDRP assessment criteria has been developed to align with the national framework and integrate national evidential requirements along 5 different levels.
Nurses range from competent, proficient, expert practice and then designated senior nursing roles and PDRP helps all levels to complete an appropriate portfolio.
Graduate Nurses are expected to submit a competent portfolio at the completion of the Nurse Entry to Practice Programme (NETP). The approval criteria for HWNZ funding to undertake postgraduate studies include the requirement to hold a current portfolio.
What are the benefits of participating in PDRP?
- Nurses covered by NZNO Nurses MECA can receive financial rewards at Proficient, Accomplished/Expert Levels
- You are exempt from NCNZ recertification audit
- Senior nurse will be exempt from recertification audit.
Frequently asked PDRP questions [PDF, 64 KB]
Competent Enrolled Nurse
- Under the direction of the RN, contributes to assessment, planning, delivery and evaluation of nursing care
- Develops partnerships with clients that implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a manner which the client determines is culturally safe
- Applies knowledge and skills to practice
- Has developed experiential knowledge and incorporates evidence-based nursing
- Is confident in familiar situations
- Is able to manage and prioritise assigned client care/workload appropriately
- Demonstrates increasing efficiency and effectiveness in practice
- Responds appropriately in emergency situation.
Proficient Enrolled Nurse
- Utilises broad experiential and evidence-based knowledge to provide care
- Develops partnerships with clients that implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a manner which the client determines is culturally safe
- Has an in-depth understanding of enrolled nurse practice
- Contributes to the education and / or preceptorship of enrolled nurse students, new graduate EN, care givers/healthcare assistants, competent and proficient EN
- Acts as a role model to their peers
- Demonstrates increased knowledge and skills in a specific clinical area
- Is involved in service, professional or organisational activities
- Participates in change
Accomplished Enrolled Nurse
- Demonstrates advancing knowledge and skills in a specific clinical area within the enrolled nurse scope
- Develops partnerships with clients that implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a manner which the clients determine is culturally safe
- Contributes to the management of changing workloads
- Gains support and respect of the health care team through sharing of knowledge and making a demonstrated positive contribution
- Undertakes an additional responsibility within a clinical/quality team, e.g. resource nurse, health and safety representative, etc
- Actively promotes understanding of legal and ethical issues
- Contributes to quality improvements and change in practice initiatives
- Acts as a role model and contributes to leadership activities
Workbook: Enrolled Nurse Workbook [DOCX, 146 KB] (Competent/Proficient/Accomplished)
Competent Registered Nurse
- Effectively applies knowledge and skills to practice
- Develops partnerships with clients that implement Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi in a manner which the client determines is culturally safe
- Has consolidated nursing knowledge in their practice setting
- Has developed a holistic overview of the client
- Is confident in familiar situations
- Is able to manage and prioritise assigned client care/workload
- Demonstrates increasing efficiency and effectiveness in practice
- Is able to anticipate a likely outcome for the client with predictable health needs.
- Is able to identify unpredictable situations, act appropriately and make appropriate referrals
Proficient Registered Nurse
- Acts as a professional role model and a resource person for other nurses and the healthcare teams
- highly competent in the clinical specialty using advanced nursing knowledge
- Integrates the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi /Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safety and supports colleagues to do the same
- Has an overview of the patient and demonstrates care that is integrated across tertiary, secondary and primary care settings
- Demonstrates the use of evidence to guide practice
- Actively contributes to clinical learning for colleagues
- Supports and guides the health care team in the day to day delivery of healthcare
- Participates in quality improvement projects and seeks to improve practice standards
- Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the complex factors that contribute to patient health outcomes
Expert Registered Nurse
- Is recognised as an expert and role model in her/his area of practice
- Guides others to apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/ Treaty of Waitangi and to provide culturally safe care to clients
- Engages in clinical learning for self and provides clinical learning opportunities for colleagues
- Contributes to specialty knowledge and demonstrates innovative practice
- Initiates and guides quality improvement activities and changes in the practice setting
- Delivers quality client care in unpredictable challenging and/ or complex situations
- Demonstrates successful leadership within a nursing team unit/facility
- Advocates for the promotion and integrity of nursing within the health care team
- Is involved in resource decision making/strategic planning
- Influences at a service, professional or organisational level
Workbooks:
Registered Nurse Workbook [DOCX, 150 KB] (Competent/Proficient/Expert)
Registered Nurse with Expanded Practice [DOCX, 175 KB] - Non-clinical Practice
Senior Nurse
- Is recognised as an expert and role model in her/his area of practice
- Guides others to apply the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to provide culturally safe care to clients
- Engages in clinical learning for self and provides clinical learning opportunities for colleagues
- Contributes to specialty knowledge and demonstrates innovative practice
- Initiates and guides quality improvement activities and changes in the practice setting
- Delivers quality client care in unpredictable challenging and/ or complex situations
- Demonstrates successful leadership within a nursing team unit/facility
- Advocates for the promotion and integrity of nursing within the health care team
- Is involved in resource decision making/strategic planning
- Influences at a service, professional or organisational level
Workbooks:
Senior Nurse Workbook [DOCX, 137 KB]
Senior Nurse with Expanded Practice [DOCX, 154 KB]
Transfers
If you would like to transfer your portfolio from another district complete this form [PDF, 101 KB]
Becoming an assessor
After you have achieved your PDRP, you may wish to become an assessor. Assessors are provided with in house education on assessing against a standard. There is a moderation process to ensure consistency of assessor decisions. Applicants will require support from their line managers and PDRP coordinator.
Assessors need to be currently on the professional development recognition program.
More information
For additional information relating to the Nursing Council New Zealand competencies, direct and delegation, the Code of Conduct for Nurses and cultural support and the Treaty of Waitangi visit the Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link).
Contact the PDRP Coordinator Diana.Fergusson@tdhb.org.nz for any PDRP related inquiries.
Te Tai Tokerau
Te Tai Tokerau
The PDRP assessment process is designed to be a positive and rewarding experience, recognizing and celebrating each nurse’s contributions to nursing practice and professional development. Here are some key points about the process:
Assessment Process
- Timeline: The assessment should be completed within 8 weeks of receiving the application. If additional evidence is needed, this may extend up to 4 weeks.
- Communication: Assessors may contact applicants for further details or clarification and may consult with clinical staff with the applicant’s permission.
- Feedback: Formal feedback will be documented as “assessor’s comments” and returned with the portfolio.
- Portfolio submission: To submit your portfolio, you can either deliver it in person or send it via internal mail to the PDRP nurse coordinator at Room 35, 3rd floor, Maunu House, Whangarei Base Hospital.
Extensions:
-
If you need more time to complete your PDRP portfolio, please fill out the PDRP request for extension form. [DOC, 141 KB]
After the Assessment
- Successful Assessment: If the criteria are met, the Nurse Coordinator - PDRP will email a letter of completion and a certificate to the applicant.
- Unsuccessful Assessment: Applicants have three options:
- Accept the decision.
- Work on the areas needing more evidence and resubmit the portfolio.
- Appeal the decision.
Becoming an Assessor
- Eligibility: After achieving your PDRP, you can become an assessor. Contact your PDRP nurse coordinator for more information.
Assessor application form [DOCX, 321 KB]
Useful Resources
- PDRP Workshops 2025 [DOCX, 776 KB]
- PDRP Manual [DOCX, 1.8 MB]
- Quality Improvement Template [DOCX, 152 KB]
- PDRP update and FAQs [DOCX, 254 KB]
- PDRP Policy [PDF, 858 KB]
Appeals Process:
- For those who wish to appeal the assessment decision please read PDRP Manual [DOCX, 1.8 MB]
Organsations with a Service User Agreement:
- North Haven Hospice, Hospice Mid North, Ngati Hine Trust, Hokianga Health, Home Support North Charitable Trust, Comprehensive Care, Te Hau Ahiowhio, Te Hiku Hauora, Puriri Court Lifecare, OMS Specialists, Onerahi Family Healthcare, Rubicon Youth.
Contacts:
- PDRP Nurse Coordinator: Sarah Middlemass, Email: SharedMailbox-PDRPQLP@northlanddhb.org.nz and contact number 021 807 120
PDRP Level |
PDRP Level |
PDRP Level Enrolled Nurse |
Helpful hints for writing RN self and Senior Nurses assessment [PDF, 675 KB] |
Helpful hints for writing RN self and Senior Nurses assessment [PDF, 675 KB] |
Helpful hints for writing EN self and Senior Nurses assessment [PDF, 454 KB] |
PDRP Expert Registered Nurse - pre-submission form [DOCX, 254 KB]
Waikato
Waikato
Nursing Professional Development — Ko Awatea LEARN (external link)
If you do not have a Ko Awatea LEARN login:
Definitions of practice levels
Other documents
- PDRP uploading and preparing your portfolio — for other providers [DOC, 368 KB]
- PDRP quick guide for uploading your portfolio — for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato staff [PDF, 884 KB]
- PDRP application form [DOC, 113 KB]
- PDRP clinical hours [DOCX, 67 KB]
- Professional development record [DOCX, 84 KB]
- Nurse and NM declaration form [DOCX, 57 KB]
- Request for appeal form [DOCX, 54 KB]
- PDRP transfer form - internal [DOCX, 79 KB]
- PDRP transfer form - external [DOCX, 102 KB]
- Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato PDRP manual [DOCX, 3.7 MB]
- Guidelines for writing RN SN peer manager narratives [DOCX, 54 KB]
- Guidelines for preparing your RN EN SN PDRP portfolio phase II [DOCX, 1.3 MB]
Self assessments
- RN Competent self assessment [DOCX, 65 KB]
- RN Proficient self assessment [DOCX, 65 KB]
- RN Expert self assessment [DOC, 103 KB]
- RN senior nurse (education) - nurse educator self assessment [DOC, 108 KB]
- RN senior nurse (education) - nurse co-ordinator self assessment [DOC, 98 KB]
- RN senior nurse (management) - management self assessment [DOC, 116 KB]
- RN senior nurse (management) - nurse co-ordinator self assessment [DOC, 96 KB]
- RN senior nurse (clinical) - clinical self assessment [DOC, 97 KB]
Wairarapa
Wairarapa
PDRP Handbook
- 2017- 2020 PDRP Handbook [PDF, 461 KB] contains all necessary information for developing your professional portfolio.
- Need help or support? Email teresa.fraser@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz for assistance.
Portfolio transfer
- Eligibility: Portfolios from another PDRP, less than 3 years old, can be transferred for 12 months or until expiry.
- Submission: Completed the Transfer form [DOCX, 182 KB] and send it along with a copy of certificate or letter of achievement to Teresa Fraser.
Submission dates
- Proficient and Above Levels: Submit portfolios on the 1st of March, May, July, September and November. If the 1st falls on a weekend, submit on the following Monday.
PDRP workshops
- Purpose: These workshops help nurses understand the PDRP and provide guidance on creating a portfolio.
- Next Workshop: Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, from 9am to 1pm.
- Health NZ Employees: Register via the training portal on the intranet.
- External Applicants: Email nursing.training@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz with your details to register.
Huarahi Whakatū PDRP
- Recognition: The Huarahi Whakatū Maori PDRP is recognized by the Wairarapa and Hutt Valley Nursing and Midwifery Leadership group.
- Validity: Portfolios are valid for 3 years. More information is available on Te Rau Matatini website (external link).
Resources
- The Notes for Completion of your Self-Assessment [PDF, 209 KB]
- The Notes for Completion of Competence Assessment/Peer Review [PDF, 167 KB]
- Competency Indicators for each PDRP level - Condensed [PDF, 176 KB]
- Cheat sheet - Self and Senior Nurse Assessment [PDF, 571 KB]
- Quality improvement project plan [DOC, 198 KB]
- A model for structured reflection [DOC, 27 KB]
- Evidence of involvement in wider services, professional or organisation groups [DOC, 199 KB]
Designated Senior Nurse RN | Competent Portfolio (RN and EN) | Expert (RN) and Accomplished (EN) Portfolios | Proficient (RN and EN) Portfolios |
Requirements on page 21 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] [DOC, 1 MB] |
Competent RN requirements on page 18 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] Competent EN requirements on page 22 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] |
Expert RN requirements on page 20 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] Expert EN requirements on page 24 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] |
Proficient RN requirements on page 19 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] Proficient EN requirements on page 23 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] [PDF, 825 KB] |
Designated Senior Nurse RN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [DOCX, 192 KB] |
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Evidence of involvement in professional activities [DOC, 199 KB] |