Midland Collaborative designated RNPCH recertification programme

The Midland Collaborative of five Te Whatu Ora regions and eight PHOs within the Midland geographical area (including Pinnacle Midlands Health Network) have been approved by Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) as a recertification programme provider. The Midland Collaborative is the first approved programme provider outside of the original Counties Manukau DHB pilot.

Prescribing for registered nurses in community health is a limited, guideline-based model of prescribing designed to cater for normally healthy people who have specific minor ailments or common conditions in the community. Normally healthy people are without serious or complex health conditions, or whose conditions are well-controlled and stable.

The RNPCH recertification programme reflects a commitment to achieve equity in health outcomes for Māori, Pasifika peoples and communities with health inequities; with associated responsibility in reducing inequity in health for our populations, and in provision of safe, quality healthcare services by professionals who are well trained and fit for purpose.

The registered nurse will have access to Ko Awatea to complete six online learning modules supported by an eight-week online Zoom series with presentations from Matanga Tapuhi from across the collaborative network. This is followed by clinical supervision supplied in your place of employment and the building of a clinical portfolio which will be submitted to the Midland Collaborative for assessment, then recommendation made to NCNZ for recertification upon completion. The time span for this course is a maximum of 1 year.

There are two main components of the Midland Collaborative designated RNPCH programme.

A theoretical component

• Six compulsory self-directed online learning modules via Ko Awatea.
• Eight compulsory virtual group evening sessions of 2-2.5 hours delivered via Zoom, learning will be facilitated by the Midland Collaborative Group with learning sessions presented by Mātanga Tapuhi / nurse practitioner (NP) and other clinical disciplines workforce delivered within a culturally competent nursing framework. This will consolidate the self-directed learning with further theoretical knowledge to inform the practical application within the nurse’s work setting.

A clinical practice component

• Includes clinical supervision provided by an authorised prescriber (eg. a GP or Mātanga Tapuhi NP) within your work setting, with structured meetings to develop knowledge, and to support completion of a learning log using case studies to demonstrate competence. A minimum of 12 hours is required. 
• An additional workplace mentor who can provide support, coaching, guidance.
• Development of an electronic prescribing portfolio.
• Submission of the electronic portfolio to the Midland Collaborative designated RNPCH recertification programme for review and recommendation to NCNZ to be recertified as a designated RNPCH.

The first session is an online learning and overview of the programme:

• for participants as an overview of the course and discuss expectations of support for your learning journey
• for supervisors to give an overview of their role and responsibilities.

A further Zoom session is offered six months after commencement for participants to regroup and review/discuss their progress, any challenges and share suggestions.

Midland Collaborative Group facilitators for the programme from each of the areas are available for queries throughout the year.

• A current NZ RN annual practicing certificate.
• Minimum of three years clinical experience with at least one year in the area of practice you will be prescribing.
• Application and Employer Support Declaration completed and submitted to the Midland Collaborative nominated nurse lead in your locality.
• RN must have access to clinical pathways to help inform treatment options. Demonstrated competence in using these pathways is a requirement. Competent use of standing orders is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• Current or assessed portfolio (PDRP), OR employer’s own credentialing programme or equivalent.
• There is no cost associated with participating in the course

May 2025 Cohort is up and running and applications are closed for this cohort. 

The annual RNPCH course will begin early May 2026, with 8 consecutive weekly Zoom presentations. All of these sessions are via Zoom and links will be sent to participants upon registration in the RNPCH programme. Full course requirements are found in the documentation below.

Applications for May 2026 cohort open December 2025  and close late April 2026.

To apply please complete the applicant and employer support form (DOCX) and return by email to the nursing leads at nursing@pinnacle.health.nz.

For information such as how to apply, entry criteria, course costs and more please refer to the general information document (PDF). You can find these details from page 8 onwards.