New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing

Enrolled nurses work as a vital part of the health care team in a range of acute health care settings, such as hospitals, community services, and medical centres, or in aged care settings. Enrolled Nurses can have a variety of roles from general nursing through to specialised roles working in collaboration with Registered Nurses (who retain further responsibility for critical thinking and clinical decision making). 

Academic Requirements 

NCEA Level 2 which must include:

- 10 credits in Level 1 Mathematics/or Numeracy

- 12 credits in Level 2 Science rich subjects

Or

- New Zealand Certificate in Study and Education Pathways (Level 3); or a recognised equivalent (Bridging or Pre-Health).

Tauira are required to demonstrate they can communicate effectively to meet the theory and clinical learning experience requirements to complete the DEN; and to demonstrate they can communicate in and comprehend English sufficiently to protect the health and safety of the public (sections16 a and b, HPCA Act, 2003).

If English or te reo Māori is not the applicant’s first language, applicants must provide evidence they have the necessary English language proficiency as outlined in the NZQA table for English Proficiency Outcomes. Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact SIT for an assessment.

• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.5 in any subtest and must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test) 

OR

• OET C+ minimum across all bands in one sitting 

Note: 

The English Language requirements for this programme are higher than the minimum set by NZQA, therefore; applicants who have met New Zealand University Entrance may be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency.

PTE is not accepted by Nursing Council of New Zealand for English language proficiency.

The Head of Nursing can request at any point an ILETS or equivalent English language test be undertaken by a tauira where English is a second language and where tauira are experiencing communication difficulties in theory and/or clinical learning experience courses during the DEN programme. This additional testing will be at the cost of tauira. Tauira must achieve a minimum as set out above. Failure to demonstrate English language proficiency at this level will result in tauira being withdrawn from the programme. (HPCA ACT 2003)

Specific Admission criteria

All applicants must:

• Provide a completed medical declaration and/or evidence of a current health certificate indicating ability to practice safely from a registered health practitioner
• Submit a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form with their application, which will be sent to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service if the applicant is accepted into the programme. This is returned in confidence to the Nursing Head of School .  Information on the New Zealand Vetting Service is available from their website
• Provide two testimonials and/or character references attesting to the candidate’s suitability for working in Health Care
• Be prepared to attend a group interview
• Provide a confidential report from the institution where a candidate is applying to transfer to another institution

GRADUATE OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing programme, graduates will be eligible to sit the NCNZ registration examination for Enrolled Nurses. Once this examination is passed, graduates may work as a beginning level Enrolled Nurse and deliver nursing care in a variety of health care settings under the direction and delegation of a registered nurse.

Graduates will work within the scope of practice of an Enrolled Nurse and be able to:

• Safely apply knowledge and skills to deliver patient/client care across a range of health care settings
• Competently assess health status and perform appropriate interventions in a manner that supports best health outcomes for clients
• Establish, maintain and conclude therapeutic, interpersonal relationships
• Work collaboratively and communicate in oral, written and electronic mediums relevant to the interdisciplinary health care team
• Apply professional judgement, accountability and responsibility in ensuring that nursing practice and conduct meets professional, ethical and legal requirements and standards
• Practise in a manner that is culturally safe and promotes health, autonomy, self determination and quality of life
• Be responsible for own ongoing professional development to maintain competence 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a criminal conviction – do I need to declare it?
Yes. All criminal convictions must be declared to the Head of School of Nursing before the course commences. Some criminal convictions may prohibit you from continuing your training.

I don’t have sciences or maths – does that matter?
Yes. Nursing is heavily based in the sciences and it is recommended that you have undertaken some studies in both.

Is there a list of recommended text books?
Yes. This is sent out with your acceptance letter.

Do I need a current first aid certificate?
YES you do. You must have a current basic life support certificate. This is required before you start (if possible).

Do I require any diagnostic testing?
Yes. In order to protect both yourself and other patients. You will be sent a laboratory form with your acceptance letter.

Do I need to have had the covid vaccine and booster?
Yes as part of the health profession this vaccine is mandated.

To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:

A minimum of 180 compulsory credits in accordance with the Programme schedule for the New Zealand Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5).

Please Note: Students failing to attend for 80% of the timetabled programme hours may forfeit Zero Fees entitlement

This qualification does not lead to the Bachelor of Nursing, but if you choose to progress to the Bachelor of Nursing programme recognition of prior learning can be offered for a some of the Bachelor of Nursing  Programme. For further clarification around this please contact the Head of School Karyn Madden on Karyn.madden@sit.ac.nz