Overview of the Professional Development Recognition Programme

The Professional Development Recognition Programme (PDRP) is a significant initiative for nurses in New Zealand. 

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: Recognises 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.

Approved professional development and recognition programmes (PDRP) - Nursing Council of New Zealand (external link)

Guidance and information by district

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora districts develop their own PDRPs for their nurses. Find your local information here.

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

 

Contact

Renee Galloway

Hawke's Bay

Hawke's Bay

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.

PDRP Submissions dates 2025 [PDF, 78 KB]
Portfolio Clinics 2025 [PDF, 134 KB]
PDRP Handbook 2025 [PDF, 428 KB]
Preparing a Curriculum Vitae (CV) [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Application for Transfer PDRP Level [DOCX, 181 KB]
Competencies for Registered Nurses - Nursing Council of New Zealand [PDF, 180 KB]

Templates for RN Portfolios

RN PDRP Competent [DOCX, 60 KB]
RN PDRP Proficient [DOCX, 63 KB]
RN PDRP Expert [DOCX, 64 KB]
Designated Senior Nurses PDRP [DOCX, 77 KB]

Templates for EN Portfolios

EN PDRP Competent [DOCX, 61 KB]
EN PDRP Proficient [DOCX, 64 KB]
EN PDRP Accomplished [DOCX, 64 KB]
 

Additional templates

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

 

Contact

Kathy Monson, PDRP Coordinator

Email: kathryn.monson@hbdhb.govt.nz

Phone: 027 302 2821

Rotorua and Taupō

Rotorua and Taupō

Documents required for joining Health NZ Lakes PDRP

Process and requirements for community nurses to access Health NZ Lakes PDRP programme:

A signed memorandum of understanding is required before nurses from community organisations can participate in Health NZ Lakes PDRP:

Outline of the process to complete, submit and maintain a PDRP portfolio:

 

Submission documentation

Log in to Ko Awatea (external link) to find the specific documentation requirements.

If you do not have access to Ko Awatea, contact: 

South Canterbury

South Canterbury

The South Canterbury region participates in the Te Kahui Kokiri Matanga Regional PDRP Programme. You can access all resources, policies, and guidelines on the Canterbury and South Canterbury intranets. For further assistance, please contact the South Canterbury coordinator.

Contact Information:

Tairāwhiti

Tairāwhiti

We use Ko Awatea Learn for PDRP. 

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: 

Taranaki

Taranaki

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)


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


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]
Senior Nurse with Expanded Practice [DOCX, 154 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.

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. [PDF, 675 KB]
  • Portfolio submission: To submit your portfolio, you can either deliver it in person or send it via internal mail to the PDRP nurse coordinator at Room 35, 3rd floor, Maunu House, Whangarei Base Hospital.

Extensions:

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

Useful Resources

Appeals Process:

Organsations with a Service User Agreement:

  • North Haven Hospice, Hospice Mid North, Ngati Hine Trust, Hokianga Health, Home Support North Charitable Trust, Comprehensive Care, Te Hau Ahiowhio, Te Hiku Hauora, Puriri Court Lifecare, OMS Specialists, Onerahi Family Healthcare, Rubicon Youth.

Contacts:

Waikato

Waikato

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 [DOCX, 182 KB] and send it along with a copy of certificate or letter of achievement 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 (external link).

Resources

Designated Senior Nurse RN Competent Portfolio (RN and EN) Expert (RN) and Accomplished (EN) Portfolios Proficient (RN and EN) Portfolios

Requirements on page 21 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] [DOC, 1 MB]

Competent RN requirements on page 18 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Competent EN requirements on page 22 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Expert RN requirements on page 20 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Expert EN requirements on page 24 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Proficient RN requirements on page 19 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB]

Proficient EN requirements on page 23 of the PDRP 2017-2020 Handbook [PDF, 1.3 MB] [PDF, 825 KB]

Designated Senior Nurse RN - One stop shop [DOC, 1 MB]

Competent RN - One-Stop-Shop [DOC, 926 KB]

Competent RN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [DOCX, 182 KB]

Expert RN - One-Stop-Shop [PDF, 840 KB]

Expert RN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [PDF, 245 KB]

Proficient RN - One-Stop-Shop [PDF, 825 KB]

Proficient RN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [PDF, 237 KB]

Designated Senior Nurse RN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [DOCX, 192 KB]

Competent EN - One-Stop-Shop [DOC, 863 KB]

Competent EN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [DOCX, 182 KB]

Accomplished EN - One-Stop-Shop [PDF, 894 KB]

Accomplished EN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [PDF, 894 KB]

Proficient EN - One-Stop-Shop [PDF, 888 KB]

Proficient EN - Portfolio Assessment Tool [PDF, 236 KB]

   

Evidence of involvement in professional activities [DOC, 199 KB]