nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners are health practitioners who are registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current annual practising certificate.

Nurse practitioners are expert or specialist nurses with advanced education, clinical training and experience. They have demonstrated clinical competence and have the legal authority to practice as independent healthcare providers.

All nurse practitioners have a unique identifying number called a Health Practitioners Index number (HPI number).

Some nurse practitioners have specialised in primary health care, hospital settings or specialities. They can practice in an expanded nursing role in clinical settings. This can include prescribing certain medications and completing certain medical certificates and examinations.

Note nurse practitioners should not be confused with registered or enrolled nurses or Nurse prescribers who do not have the necessary scope of practice to complete medical certificates.