Professional nursing advisor Wendy Blair said NPs were recognised as important clinical leaders and the development of their role was “critical” to improving access to health care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
RN prescribers, too, needed support as many would eventually become NPs, she said.
“There is currently no specific support group for RN prescribers within NZNO and many of them will move onto being NP interns and NPs, so it is important that RN prescribers are also included in this group.”
These senior nurses would fit well, as a “sub-group” within the leadership section, she said.
Manawatū NP Siān Munson said the group was intended to be a “safe space” for NPs and prescribing RNs to come together and support each other, hold discussions and participate in workshops, conferences and other education sessions. It would be for all RN prescribers, including community and diabetes nurses, she stressed.
The NLS planned to expand the scope of its annual conferences to include topics relevant to clinical leadership roles.
Interested NPs and RN prescribers can email [email protected] for further information.
The 2021 NLS conference, Creating Great – leading into the future, is planned for November 4-5 in Whanganui.