Update from the Primary Care team:
Primary and Community Sector placement funding
The Government is committed to growing and supporting primary and community care. We are now sharing details on the funding to support primary and community, and rural providers to employ graduate RNs.
We know that hiring and supporting graduate RNs comes with cost, so we want to alleviate some of the financial pressure and support growing the primary care workforce. Funding is now available for primary care, community, and rural health providers who are committed to supporting graduate RNs as they transition into practice. To be eligible for the funding, graduate RNs must have completed their tertiary education in New Zealand and have not had a registered nurse job prior for a period of three months or longer (post-registration).
We are encouraging employers to make good use of this initiative and apply for funding as soon as they decide on hiring a graduate RN!
About the funding
To be eligible for placement funding, employers must employ a graduate RN, provide preceptorship and clinical support, and hire the graduate RN for a minimum of 0.6 FTE for a period of 12 months or more. The funding is
- $15,000 for urban placements
- $20,000 for rural placements
How to Apply
- Employers must ensure their organisation meets the eligibility criteria outlined above.
- Employers must submit an Employer Eligibility Form so they can be assessed for funding.
- Upon approval, the employer will receive a unique eligibility code.
- The employer can then complete a Funding Application for each graduate RN they employ.
For more information about the initiative, please visit Primary and Community Care Employment Support Funding or if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at GraduateRN@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.
Listing a vacancy with Kiwi Health Jobs
To support our graduate RNs into employment, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is offering free job listings for graduate RN positions until December 2025
All listings on Kiwi Health Jobs are also automatically posted to TradeMe Jobs, providing even more exposure for your vacancies.
To list a job:
Complete the attached Graduate RN Advertisement Request form and send to info@kiwihealthjobs.com with the following:
- The job description attached as a Word document and advertisement text (preferably as word document but URLs may be accepted)
- The email address or URL directing applicants to the job listing on your careers website
- Your organisation’s Logo attached as a PNG file (required only if this is your first time advertising with us)
For a limited time, we are sending out KHJ welcome packs so don’t delay, list your vacancy today!
There will also be other support and funding available for employers to support RNs to undertake postgraduate education and advance their nursing career. This includes postgraduate studies in prescribing and nursing, as well as NP training. More information on this funding will be available by July.
Your support in helping graduate RNs connect with primary care employment is invaluable and will play a key role in supporting their professional development as they embark on their registered nursing careers.
We look forward to working with you as we support these talented graduate RNs into their first roles.
Ngā mihi,
The Primary Care team