A Plunket Nurse is a Registered Nurse who has completed or is completing further specialty training in the area of Well-Child health/community child and family/whānau health promotion. The focus is on delivering a primary health care service based on the Tamariki Ora Schedule (health promotion, education, clinical assessment and whānau/family support) to child clients aged birth to approximately 5 years, and their whānau/families/caregivers.
Plunket Nurses work in a variety of community locations including clinics, homes, Marae and early childhood centres and have extensive knowledge of the communities they work in. Advanced assessment skills and knowledge of child health and development enable Plunket Nurses to provide and co-ordinate care, information, surveillance, and support appropriate to the whānau/families situation.
How do I become a Plunket Nurse?
To become a Plunket nurse you need to be a Registered Nurse, have a current Annual Practicing Certificate and also a current driver's license.
During your first year of employment with Plunket you will complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Health Care Specialty Nursing: Well Child / Tamariki Ora Strand. Nurses are supported to study while they work, putting theory into practice. The programme is fully funded, running over two terms with start dates in March and August of each year. On successful completion of this qualification your role title will be changed from Registered Nurse to Plunket Nurse.
