Professional Development Recognition Programme

Email: pdrp@cdhb.health.nz

Phone: 021 524 581

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 362KB) [DOCX, 362 KB]
• Professional Development Record (DOCX 120KB) [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 96KB) [DOCX, 96 KB]

Contacts:

• Renee Galloway: Phone +64 06 350 8208 or Email: renee.galloway@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

Nursing Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is a contemporary professional development framework which assists nurses to further develop knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.

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.

For further information please contact Kathy Monson, PDRP Coordinator kathryn.monson@hbdhb.govt.nz or 027 302 2821.
(external link) (external link)

PDRP Submissions dates 2025 (PDF 78KB) [PDF, 78 KB]
(external link)Portfolio Clinics 2025 (PDF 134KB) [PDF, 134 KB]
PDRP Handbook 2024 (PDF 425KB) [PDF, 425 KB]
Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) (PDF 1.1MB) [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Application for Transfer PDRP Level (DOCX 181KB) [DOCX, 181 KB]
Competencies for Registered Nurses - Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)

Templates for RN Portfolios

RN PDRP Competent (DOCX 79KB) [DOCX, 79 KB]
RN PDRP Proficient (DOCX  82KB) [DOCX, 82 KB]
RN PDRP Expert (DOCX 83KB) [DOCX, 83 KB]
Designated Senior Nurses PDRP (DOCX 87KB) [DOCX, 87 KB]
RN Manager/Peer Three Yearly Competence Review (DOCX 237KB) [DOCX, 237 KB]

Templates for EN Portfolios

EN PDRP Competent (DOCX 80KB) [DOCX, 80 KB]
EN PDRP Proficient (DOCX 82KB) [DOCX, 82 KB]
EN PDRP Accomplished (DOCX 82KB) [DOCX, 82 KB]
EN Manager/Peer Three Yearly Competence Review (DOCX 72KB) [DOCX, 72 KB]
 

Additional templates

Professional development hours (DOCX 174KB) [DOCX, 174 KB]
Reflection on Professional Development (DOCX 175KB) [DOCX, 175 KB]
Quality Improvement Activity (DOCX 189KB) [DOCX, 189 KB]
Teaching Session and Evaluation (DOCX 178KB) [DOCX, 178 KB]
Peer Case Review (DOCX 183KB) [DOCX, 183 KB]

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) (WORD 212 KB)

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) (WORD 228 KB)
Registered Nurse with Expanded Practice [DOCX, 175 KB] - Non-clinical Practice (WORD 175 KB)

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] (WORD 233 KB)
Senior Nurse with Expanded Practice [DOCX, 154 KB] (WORD 158 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.

Professional Development and Recognition Programme for Nurses (PDRP) is a national professional development and career planning framework which Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Tairawhiti strongly supports. It enables nurses' practice, knowledge and skills to be rewarded and recognised.

It is optional for nurses to prepare a portfolio for PDRP but portfolios are considered an essential tool in demonstrating professional accomplishments and documenting professional growth, and a pathway for future career growth and development.

E-portfolios

We only accept e-portfolios. You can submit your portfolio via Ko Awatea Learn. 

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

To complete your e-portfolio, you will need to:

1. Know your level of practice 

The PDRP framework is based on Benner’s model which recognises the development of a nurse’s practice. Nurses progress from novice (graduate nurses only) through to competent, proficient, expert practice and designated senior nursing roles.

To choose your level of practice, read chapter 2/page 9: (external link)

PDRP national framework and evidential requirements [PDF, 1 MB]

Enter the PDRP at whatever level you feel you meet — you must show evidence to meet that level.

2. Decide which competencies to complete

Suggested competencies from the National Framework:

Management: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Educator, Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing

Research: Practice Research Nurse, Academic Research Nurse

Education: Academic Educator

Policy: Nurse Consultant, Nurse Advisor

Delete any sections that do not apply to you. For example, if completing a management DSN portfolio, delete the research, education and policy competencies. If you also have direct patient contact, you will need to complete domains 2 and 3 again for direct care.

If you have more than one role — for example, you work as an Academic Educator but also as an RN in ICU — you would complete a DSN portfolio with the education competencies. You would then repeat domains 2 and 3 for direct patient care for your ICU role and this may be at competent, proficient or expert level.

Our most common DSN portfolio in Tairawhiti is a combination of management with direct patient contact. This would apply to most of our Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Our second most common DSN portfolio is for Management (without direct patient care). This would apply to most of our Clinical Nurse Managers.

Note for senior nurses

Designated Senior Nurses (DSNs) in management, education, policy or research must still meet the NZNC competencies and standard portfolio requirements. Nurses that do not have direct patient care are exempt from domains two (management in nursing care) and domain three (interpersonal relationships) that only apply to clinical practice. You are to use the competencies for domains 2 and 3 that best align with the specific role from management/education/policy/research.

DSNs that do have direct care with patients must meet both sets of competencies in domains 2 and 3. This means you will complete domains 2 and 3 twice — once for direct care and once for management/education/policy/research.

3. Gather your evidence

Use the checklist included to guide you as to what you need provide for your portfolio.

Aotearoa Collaborative PDRP Registered Nurse [PDF, 1 MB]

Aotearoa Collaborative PDRP Enrolled Nurse [PDF, 1 MB]

Aotearoa Collaborative PDRP Senior Nurse [PDF, 1.2 MB]

Professional development examples

This includes whole days or short teaching sessions that you have done in the last 3 years. For example, it could include:

• post graduate study
• short courses
• seminars
• conferences
• in service education
• online learning.

This will be documented on the professional development activities record and validated usually by your manager or educator.

Self-assessment examples

Your self-assessment is a specific example of how you have demonstrated each competency in your everyday practice. Do not reword the competency. Ensure patient confidentiality is kept. All practice examples must be from the last 12 months of practice.

Helpful hints for writing assessments [PDF, 785 KB]

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.
• PDRP Helpful Hints Guide (RN) (external link)
• EN self-assessments suggestions with NC (external link) indicators (external link) (external link)

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 (external link)

Useful Resources

• PDRP Policy (external link)
• PDRP Forms, Templates and Guidelines (external link)
• Frequently Asked Questions (external link)
• Description of Practice Levels (external link)
• Organisations with a memorandum of agreement (external link)

Appeals Process:

• For those who wish to appeal the assessment decision please read here (external link) (guideline and form).

Contacts:

• PDRP Coordinator: Email PDRP&QLP@northlanddhb.org.nz

Definitions of practice levels

• EN levels of practice (DOCX 134KB) [DOCX, 135 KB]
• RN levels of practice (DOCX 136KB) [DOCX, 136 KB]

Other documents

• PDRP uploading and preparing your portfolio — for other providers (DOC 368 KB) [DOC, 368 KB]
• PDRP quick guide for uploading your portfolio — for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato staff (PDF 884 KB) [PDF, 884 KB]
• PDRP application form (DOCX 113 KB) [DOC, 113 KB]
• PDRP clinical hours (DOCX 67 KB) [DOCX, 67 KB]
• Professional development record (DOCX 84 KB) [DOCX, 84 KB]
• Nurse and NM declaration form (DOCX 57 KB) [DOCX, 57 KB]
• Request for appeal form (DOCX 54 KB) [DOCX, 54 KB]
• PDRP transfer form — internal (DOCX 79 KB) [DOCX, 79 KB]
• PDRP transfer form — external (DOCX 102 KB) [DOCX, 102 KB]
• Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato PDRP manual (DOCX 3.7 MB) [DOCX, 3.7 MB]
• Guidelines for writing RN SN peer manager narratives (DOCX 54 KB) [DOCX, 54 KB]
• Guidelines for preparing your RN EN SN PDRP portfolio phase II (DOCX 1.3 MB) [DOCX, 1.3 MB]

Self assessments

• RN Competent self assessment (DOCX 65KB) [DOCX, 65 KB]
• RN Proficient self assessment (DOCX 100KB) [DOCX, 65 KB]
• RN Expert self assessment (DOCX 103KB) [DOC, 103 KB]
• RN senior nurse (education) — nurse educator self assessment (DOCX 108KB) [DOC, 108 KB]
• RN senior nurse (education) — nurse co-ordinator self assessment (DOCX 98KB [DOC, 98 KB])
• RN senior nurse (management) — management self assessment (DOCX 116KB) [DOC, 116 KB]
• RN senior nurse (management) — nurse co-ordinator self assessment (DOCX 96KB) [DOC, 96 KB]
• RN senior nurse (clinical) — clinical self assessment (DOCX 97KB) [DOC, 97 KB]

PDRP Handbook:

• 2017- 2020 PDRP Handbook (PDF 461KB) [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 achievemen 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 209KB) [PDF, 209 KB]
• The Notes for Completion of Competence Assessment/Peer Review (PDF 167KB) [PDF, 167 KB]
• Competency Indicators for each PDRP level - Condensed (PDF 176KB) [PDF, 176 KB]
• Cheat sheet - Self and Senior Nurse Assessment (PDF 571KB) [PDF, 571 KB]
• Quality improvement project plan (DOCX 198 KB) [DOC, 198 KB]
• A model for structured reflection (DOCX 27KB) [DOC, 27 KB]
• Evidence of involvement in wider services, professional or organisation groups (DOCX 199KB) [DOC, 199 KB]