A preceptor is an experienced registered nurse who has completed training in preceptorship. Preceptors guide and support students, graduate nurses and new staff members, through periods of practice development as part of a new role or a new practice setting.

Preceptorship is a supportive period during which socialisation to a new practice area, new practice knowledge, skills, and critical thinking are developed.

Preceptors of undergraduate nursing students may have to work with students from different educational institutions.

There are many options for preceptorship training, and there is a move towards interdisciplinary preceptorship, particularly for primary and community settings. Online training options are available and provide a great way for primary, community and rural settings to develop preceptorship capability.

You may need to set up a LearnOnline account or reactivate an old one.

Canterbury and West Coast

Canterbury and West Coast

NETP Registered Nurses will share a clinical load with their preceptor(s) for up to a total of 30 clinical days, though some workplaces may extend this period.

The assigned preceptor will carry out performance reviews with the NETP Registered Nurse and their line manager.

Preceptors working with NETP Registered Nurses are required to meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a current annual practising certificate in the RN scope of practice
  • Be registered with NCNZ
  • Successfully completed a preceptor training programme
  • Show commitment and willingness to support and encourage the NETP
  • Be knowledgable about the NetP programme Learning Framework and PDRP requirements
  • Have experience in the clinical area where they are providing preceptorship
  • Apply the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and cultural safety to nursing practice
  • Provide feedback to the NetP Registered Nurse and receive feedback on their performance as a preceptor
  • Facilitate learning and education
  • Support NetP programme outcomes.

As per National NETP Specifications, preceptor must undertake training for this role, and provide evidence of 16 hours preceptorship education.

Te Tai Tokerau

Te Tai Tokerau

Note: These links are only accessible if logged into the Health NZ Te Tai Tokerau network.

Waikato

Waikato

The nursing preceptorship course is for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Waikato employees and funded workplaces who are supporting students and new graduate registered nurses.

The preceptorship course is run in conjunction with Wintec. We work collaboratively with them to develop your skills, in providing clinical practice instructions to, and evaluation of, students and newcomers to nursing.

For more information:

Preceptorship in Healthcare - Wintec (external link)

How to apply

To apply, complete an application form. This must be signed off by your manager. Do not apply directly through Wintec.

Preceptor course application form [DOC, 70 KB]

Send the completed application form to:

Nicola McKenzie
Email: nicola.mckenzie@waikatodhb.health.nz

For Health NZ Waikato staff, you can also mail it to:

Nicola McKenzie
Percival Flats
17 Ohaupo Road
Hamilton

If you are not Health NZ staff, you can mail it to:

Nicola McKenzie
Professional Development Unit
Private Bag 3200
Hamilton 3240

Late applications may be accepted.

About the application process

  • Applications will be processed by Nicola McKenzie, and the applicant and their manager will be notified if there is no availability on the course.
  • An email is then sent to the applicant 4 weeks prior to start date requesting them to complete the online registration form for Wintec.
  • All course work will be accessed via an online module.
  • The professional development unit (PDU) will fund the course for Health NZ Waikato employees and funded workplaces who are supporting students and new graduate registered nurses - such as aged care sector and iwi providers.
  • No charge to service budgets will occur.
  • Each course runs as a separate entity and therefore applicants who do not attend day 2 will not be offered an alternative date except in extenuating circumstances.
  • Ensure that you understand the requirement to commit to the assignment or study time, plus the 2 study days. These are required for successful completion of the course.
  • Results are accessed via the MyLearning Portal at Wintec. Present the results to your educator and you will receive a preceptorship badge.

Wairarapa

Wairarapa

Useful resources

Download the Hints for Helping your Student Learn:

Programmes

Below is list of programmes run by various education providers:

Massey University - Bachelor of Nursing (BN) (external link)

Phone: (04) 801 5799 extension 63070 or 027 629 5601

Massey University - Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) MClinPrac (external link)

Phone: (04) 801 5799 extension 63070 or 027 629 5601

(external link)Whitireia New Zealand Clinical Placement Information and Forms (external link)

Phone: (04) 237 3101 extension 3735

Email: clinical@whitireia.ac.nz

University College of Learning Limited (UCOL) is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
UCOL - Bachelor of Nursing (external link) 
UCOL - NZ Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (external link)

Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti

Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti

Pilot — combined assessment for undergraduate nursing student placements

Resources

Download hints for helping your student learn:

Programmes

Massy University

Bachelor of Nursing (BN) — Massey University (external link)

Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) MClinPrac — Massey University (external link)

Whitireia New Zealand

Whitireia New Zealand clinical placement information and forms (external link)

University College of Learning Limited (UCOL)

University College of Learning Limited (UCOL) is part of Te Pūkenga — New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Nursing — University College of Learning Limited (external link)

Contact

Saleifi Reriti, Nurse Educator
Workforce and Practice Development Unit

Preceptor workshops

The preceptor workshop is designed for nurses working towards, or who have achieved, proficient level on their professional development and recognition programme (PDRP) and have been nominated by their charge nurse manager to fulfil this role.

It is an expectation that all nurses who have attained proficient level on the PDRP attend the preceptor workshop and are actively involved in preceptorship within their clinical area.

The 1-day workshop meets the national framework requirements for precepting graduate nurses and undergraduate students. The workshop integrates theory and practice enabling nurses to confidently fulfil their preceptor role through clinical teaching and assessment within their own area of practice.

Registering

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora nurses register through Connect Me.

If you are an external nurse, register by sending an email to saleifi.reriti@ccdhb.org.nz

2025 dates

Wellington Regional Hospital — L1104, Level 11, Ward Support Block

  • Tuesday 25 February
  • Monday 24 March
  • Monday 7 April
  • Thursday 1 May
  • Tuesday 2 September
  • Tuesday 7 October
  • Thursday 23 October
  • Thursday 6 November
  • Tuesday 2 December

Ratonga Rua-o-Porirua — Moa, Te Papa

  • Monday 3 March
  • Monday 26 May
  • Monday 22 September
  • Thursday 27 November

Hutt Hospital — Hutt Hospital Auditorium

  • Tuesday 18 February
  • Thursday 10 April
  • Tuesday 10 June
  • Thursday 4 September
  • Tuesday 21 October
  • Thursday 4 December