Professional Development Recognition Programme

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:

• PDRP Policy Te Kahui Kokiri Mātanga [PDF, 554 KB]

 

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 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 Personal 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:

• Appeals Notification [PDF, 232 KB]
• PDRP Transfer Application Package [PDF, 296 KB]

 

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:

• PDRP Assessor Nomination Form [PDF, 235 KB]
• Registered Nurse Assessor Outcome  [PDF, 248 KB]
• Enrolled Nurse Assessor Outcome [PDF, 227 KB]
• Designated Senior Nurse Assessor Outcome [PDF, 236 KB]
• Post Assessment Moderation [PDF, 296 KB]

Contacts for the Professional Development and Recognition Program (PDRP):

• Capital Coast, email PDRP@ccdhb.org.nz

PDRP handbooks

• PDRP handbook for enrolled nurses and registered nurses [PDF, 991 KB]
• PDRP handbook for senior nurses [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Useful information

• Continuing competence — Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)
• Reference examples to inform examples of practice [DOC, 157 KB]

Portfolio requirements — enrolled nurses and registered nurses

1. Portfolio assessment tool (see table below)
2. Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
3. Copy of your annual practising certificate¹
4. Annual performance review with full self-assessment (see table below)
5. Evidence of practice hours
6. Professional development and career plan [DOCX, 433 KB]
7. Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
8. CV (optional)
9. Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]

Portfolio requirements — senior designated nurse

1. Portfolio assessment tool — senior (see table below)
2. Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
3. Copy of your annual practising certificate¹
4. NCNZ competencies full self-assessment — senior [DOCX, 206 KB]
5. Additional evidence of influencing the quality of nursing practice, service delivery and patient outcomes in the directorate or organisation (for example, a policy, evidence of teaching, projects)
6. Annual performance review with full self-assessment (see table below)
7. Evidence of practice hours
8. Professional development and career plan [DOCX, 433 KB]
9. Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
10. CV (optional)
11. Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]

Portfolio requirements — senior designated nurse (expert level)

1. Portfolio assessment tool — both Senior and RN Expert (see table below)
2. Application letter [DOC, 211 KB]
3. Copy of your annual practising certificate
4. NCNZ competencies full self-assessment — senior expert [DOCX, 203 KB]
5. Education session plan [DOC, 197 KB]
6. Education session evaluation [DOC, 223 KB]
7. Annual performance review with full self-assessment (see table below)
8. Evidence of practice hours
9. Professional development and career plan [DOCX, 433 KB]
10. Professional development record [DOCX, 176 KB]
11. CV (optional)
12. Senior nurse's verification declaration [PDF, 150 KB]

This can be downloaded from the Nursing Council of New Zealand website:

Register of practising nurses — Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)

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.

We will be providing presentations, education and resources on these changes to nurses at a range of forums across the District throughout February and March to assist our workforce to familiarise themselves with and embed these changes over the coming months.

A number of nurses are asking what this means for the PDRP. For the time being, nothing is changing. Our PDRP programmes will continue as they are well into 2025. The National DON group (Directors of Nursing for all Districts) is leading a project to update the PDRP Framework using these new competency standards. This will take time to develop and then implement, so we do not anticipate any changes to our local PDRP programmes within the next six months.

APC declarations and NCNZ recertification audits will reflect the new competency standards from 1 April 2025. For further information, visit NCNZ.

Enrolled and registered nurse scopes of practice and standards of competence — Nursing Council of New Zealand

Information and forms needed to complete an RN or EN portfolio using the Hutt Valley PDRP Handbook

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 gateway.

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

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.
  • Professional Development and Career Plan [DOCX, 362 KB]
  • Professional Development Record [DOCX, 120 KB]

 

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
  • Application form for Transfer of PDRP [DOCX, 96 KB]

 

Contact

Renee Galloway

• Phone 06 350 8208
• Email: renee.galloway@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

Documents required for joining Health NZ Lakes PDRP

Process and requirements for community nurses to access Health NZ Lakes PDRP programme:

• PDRP procedure for primary and community nurses [DOCX, 37 KB]

A signed memorandum of understanding is required before nurses from community organisations can participate in Health NZ Lakes PDRP:

• Memorandum of understanding [DOCX, 414 KB]

Outline of the process to complete, submit and maintain a PDRP portfolio:

• PDRP assessment flow chart [PDF, 98 KB]

 

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

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

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

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]

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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)

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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

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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]

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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.

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. [PDF, 675 KB]
• 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:
  1. Accept the decision.
  2. Work on the areas needing more evidence and resubmit the portfolio.
  3. 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]
• 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

Definitions of practice levels

• EN levels of practice [DOCX, 135 KB]
• RN levels of practice [DOCX, 136 KB]

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]

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]