The Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is indeed a significant initiative for nurses in New Zealand. Here are some key points about the programme:

  • National Programme: Endorsed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).
  • Purpose:
    • Advance professional development in nursing.
    • Support nurses in demonstrating competency to the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
    • Fulfil obligations under the NZNO Nurses’ MECA.
  • Promote and Reward Expertise: Recognizes and rewards nursing expertise.
  • Quality Patient Outcomes: Acknowledges the contribution of nurses to quality patient health outcomes.
  • Alignment: Developed to align with the national framework and integrate national evidential requirements.
  • Compulsory Participation: Nurses must hold a current and relevant PDRP to progress in their careers, which also exempts them from Nursing Council audits.

NZNO Nurses’ MECA: Nurses covered by this agreement can achieve financial rewards at levels 3 and 4.

By district

Find PDRP information by district.

Canterbury

Canterbury

Capital and Coast, MidCentral and Whanganui

Capital and Coast, MidCentral and Whanganui

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

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)

Contacts:

Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay

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.

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

Templates for RN Portfolios

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

Templates for EN Portfolios

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

Additional templates

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

Nelson Marlborough

Nelson Marlborough

Career development scholarship fund

Are you considering study?  With the support of the Care Foundation, Nelson Marlborough has established a career development scholarship fund.

The Care Foundation has trusts where donors have specified they are used as scholarship funds to support training for Nelson Marlborough staff.

Eligibility

We are delighted this scholarship fund is available to all staff, regardless of the area or department they work in, and that we can support people to further their education, this also includes postgraduate studies.

You may be eligible for up to 50% of your study fees ($5,000 maximum) if you work for, or are contracted by us and work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

How to apply

Download the application form and email any further questions to: nmh.careerdevelopmentscholarship@nmdhb.govt.nz.

Applications are reviewed and considered as they are received.

Te Tai Tokerau

Te Tai Tokerau

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)
  • EN self-assessments suggestions with NC indicators

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

Useful Resources

Appeals Process:

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

Contacts:

Wairarapa

Wairarapa

PDRP Handbook:

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 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.

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.

Resources