Applying for Nurse Practitioner

Endorsement

Petrina Halloran

Acting Executive Officer

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

March 2014

1

Definition

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who is

educated and endorsed to function autonomously

and collaboratively in an advanced and extended

clinical role (NMBA Registration Standard, 4 April 2011).

2

Advanced Practice

Advanced practice nursing is the term used to define a level of

nursing practice that uses comprehensive skills, experience

and knowledge in nursing care. (May 2013)

The basis of advanced practice is the high degree of

knowledge, skill and experience applied in the nurse/patient

client relationship in order to achieve optimal outcomes

through critical analysis, problem-solving and accurate

decision making.

3

Distribution of Nurse Practitioners

1 October 2013

4

161

13

82 274

242

168

23

37

Application Pathways

• Pathway 1- applicants who have completed a

Board approved nurse practitioner masters

degree

• Pathway 2 is for those applicants who have

completed an alternate masters degree

5

Endorsement requirements

Current general registration as a registered nurse

with no conditions on registration relating to

unsatisfactory professional performance or

unprofessional conduct

Registration number only required as evidence

6

Qualification

Completion of a Board approved nurse practitioner

program of study at master’s level or equivalent as

determined by the Board

7

Evidence of Qualification

Pathway 1

Completion of a Board approved nurse practitioner

program of study at master’s level based on the

NMBA approved Nurse Practitioner Competency

Standards.

Original or certified copy of transcript of NMBA

approved master’s degree including results table

8

Evidence of Qualification

Pathway 2

• Original or certified copy of transcript of Master’s for which

equivalence is sought

• Subject outlines for all units studied in above course

• Original or certified copy of transcript listing additional post-

graduate units of study required

- master’s level unit in pharmacology

- post graduate study in advanced health assessment

- post graduate study in differential diagnosis

- post graduate study in ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests

• Mapping of all units studied to NMBA Nurse Practitioner

Competency Standards

9

Advanced Practice

The equivalent of three (3) years’ full time

equivalent (5000 hrs) in an advanced practice

nursing role in the previous six (6) years from date

of lodgement of application.

10

Evidence of Advanced Practice

• Detailed accurate CV flagging AP roles

• Position descriptions (if available)

• Statements of Service (relevant period)

• Letters of Support detailing the applicants therapeutic

decision making, advanced health assessment, differential

diagnosis and ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests

• PW2-mapping of AP to NP NCS

• PW2-two de-identified case studies

11

36 months advanced practice in previous 6 years

5000hrs

• Ensure CV and SOS match

• Show your calculations for your AP hours

(Does not include extended periods of leave e.g. LSL,

maternity leave)

• AL, compassionate leave, PD leave can be

counted

• Board’s position statement re specific contexts of

practice

12

Letters of Support

• From direct line manager/mentor/supervisor/senior

colleagues

• Show relationship to applicant

• Describe the applicants therapeutic decision making,

advanced health assessment, differential diagnosis and

ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests

• Be on letterhead, dated within 3 months of application and

be signed

• Original or certified copy

13

Continuing Professional Development

Compliance with the Board’s Registration Standard

for Continuing Professional Development as a

Registered Nurse (20 hours)

• involvement in research

• involvement in development of CPGs etc

• audit/QA activities

• publications

• conferences

14

Scope of Practice

A brief description of the intended scope of

practice for the proposed NP role including context

of practice, client group and geographic location.

Include a position description if available

15

Portfolio submission

DO

• Provide one copy only

• Only include relevant information as noted in guidelines

• Cross reference where possible to reduce volume

• Provide certified copies of all official documents

• Keep a copy for your own records

• Use single sided printing

• Include a contents page

• Use appendix headings as per portfolio guidelines

• Bind ONLY using a bulldog clip, elastic or string

16

Assessment Process

17

RST

• Received, scanned, payment processed, assigned

PO

• Pathway determined

•Details added to status report

2 outcomes

• Preliminary assessment completed

Application Incomplete

18

Incomplete Letter Sent to Applicant (10 -90 days)

Required Information Received No Response

Application Complete Application

Withdrawn

Application Complete

19

Expert Review

Required Not Required

Endorse Show Cause

Notice

Refuse

Report Received

More Info

Required

Endorse Not

Recommended

Show Cause Notice

Refuse

Advisory Panel

The NMBA Board has delegated powers for

assessment of applications for endorsement.

The Registration Committee has the discretion

under s 100 (1) (c) of the National Law to require

an applicant to attend before them and answer any

questions relating to the application.

20

Ongoing endorsement

• Annual declaration

• CPD (extra 10 hrs)

• Recency of Practice

• PII

• Safety and Quality Framework

21

Further Information

www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au

Approved Programs of Study

Registration Standard

Codes and Guidelines

Position Statement

Explanatory statement & FAQs

Application forms-AENP-04 & ANMV-04

1300 419 495

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