What is the role?
Every day is a little different while working in the community. The one constant is that you’ll use your clinical skills and a compassionate approach when meeting with tamariki and their whānau.
Nurses conduct a top-to-toe physical assessment, assess key growth metrics and speak with whānau to build a well-rounded picture of their little person’s/people’s development as part of the Well Child Tamariki Ora schedule. They also provide specialist referrals or referrals to community partners for any assistance required for a safe and healthy home.
With our recent immunisation launch and community nurse prescribing trial, we’re committed to ensuring our whānau get the care they need while ensuring that you can grow as a clinician.
What skills do I need?
Compassion, empathy and non-judgmental manner
Parenting approaches and homes in Aotearoa vary greatly. Our role as a trusted health professional is to provide best practice clinical advice and walk alongside caregivers through both the highs and tough times.
Impeccable communication skills
Listening and conveying information is equally important in this role. You’ll have the ability to listen, explain information and accurately document information.
Strong computer literacy
All our notes and referrals are submitted electronically, so you will need to be confident in your basic technical skills.
Autonomy and decision-making
While help is one call away, you will mostly be working independently and managing a caseload of whānau in a geographically defined area. You’ll need to be confident making decisions based on your clinical observations and judgement.
Flexibility and resilience
Working in the community is unpredictable. If you have a cancellation or a complex case, you’ll need to be able to adapt when plans change.
Do you provide training?
Absolutely! The orientation period will depend on what support you need, but generally, it lasts about 6 weeks, with ongoing PD (professional development), training days and online learning available.
In your first six weeks, you’ll be paired with an experienced preceptor. You will be able to observe their practice and once you feel confident, they will take a backseat while you deliver the visit. Before you are able to work on your own, you’ll be assessed by your clinical leader who will ensure you feel confident.
Once you have completed orientation and are comfortable in your new role, you'll then do a funded one-year Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Speciality (Well Child/Tamariki Ora) Nursing.