Overview of assessment process The table below outlines the application and assessment process for the nurse practitioner scope of practice. Application with Portfolio Assessment of Educational Credentials Desk Audit Preparation for Assessment Panel Assessment Nursing Council Decision Application completed Submission of either a)-One copy of portfolio (further two copies to be provided once application has passed desk or submission with e-portfolio link included Completion of desk and evidence record Has the applicant achieved the required content and level of education? Does the applicant demonstrate equivalence (for internationally qualified nurses)? Review of portfolio using desk audit and evidence record Domains one and three to be met from portfolio evidence at desk audit assessment, in order to proceed to panel assessment Liaison with applicant regarding more evidence (if required) within three months of initial desk audit assessment Review of portfolio Referee checks Panel teleconference meeting Assessment interview for domains two and four Deliberation and decision Recommendation to the Nursing Council Applicant informed of recommendation Nursing Council decision Applicant (with mentor support) Nursing Council Nursing Council and external auditor (completed within 4 – 6 weeks of receipt of application) Panel Panel and Applicant date within 8 - 12 weeks* of successful desk audit (for e-portfolio), or date of Council receiving two copies plus original Nursing Council * Excluding public holidays Aim of the assessment process the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act), the role of the Council is to protect public safety. For nurse practitioner registration this is achieved by ensuring the assessment process conforms to set standards, including the requirements of the Medicines Amendment Act 2013. Assessment panels have the key role of undertaking a peer evaluation of an applicant’s practice and making a recommendation to the Council based on their assessment.
practitioner competencies The nurse practitioner: Indicators Applicant to complete Desk auditor to complete Panel to complete Evidence source and page number Evidence source and page number Evidence of Met/ Not met  1.2 Demonstrates accountability for practice in relation to the population/client group and the parameters of practice within health care settings. Suggested evidence: References Case studies Referrals Professional development Demonstrates advanced practice competencies within a specific area of practice that is autonomous and collaborative. Demonstrates timely referral and consultation when an issue is outside scope of practice or level of expertise/experience. Collaborates, initiates and leads to ensure practice is informed by ethical decision making. Demonstrates consideration of access and quality when making client care decisions. Initiates and leads professional development processes based on professional practice standards and legal and ethical guidelines. Collaborates, initiates and/or leads professional development processes based on peer supervision and review of currency of practice. 1.3 Demonstrates nursing leadership that positively influences the health outcomes of client/population and the profession of nursing. Suggested evidence: Quality/service development Utilisation as a consultant/advisor Professional body membership Professional development leadership roles in complex situations across settings and disciplines. Considers the impact of the wider determinants of health including emerging health policy and funding, and modifies practice accordingly. Promotes opportunities to achieve equity of health outcomes across the population group. Takes leadership roles in community and professional groups to achieve positive outcomes for the client or population group. leadership in professional activities such as research, scholarship and policy development. Demonstrates skilled mentoring, coaching and teaching of health care colleagues. Contributes to, and participates in, national and local health and socio-economic policy development.
Nurse practitioner competencies The nurse practitioner: Indicators Applicant to complete Desk auditor to complete to complete Evidence source and page number Evidence source and page number Evidence of notes Met/ Not met  2.3 Consistently involves client in making processes and uses client information to determine management strategies. Suggested evidence: Case studies Referrals, References Actively explores the client’s cultural preferences, health behaviours and attitudes regarding care and incorporates information into management plan. Actively explores the client’s ability to participate in care and incorporates information into management plan. Ensures the client has access to, and understands, relevant information and resources used to make informed decisions regarding care. Documents the client’s involvement in decision making. 2.4 Demonstrates confident and independent practice that is based on the synthesis of theoretical and practical knowledge from nursing and disciplines. Suggested evidence: Case studies References Decision making is based on an advanced level of clinical judgment, scientific evidence, critical reasoning and client determined outcomes. Demonstrates an extensive knowledge base in specific area of practice and applies knowledge of biological, pharmacological and human sciences. Demonstrates advanced level skills and performance of interventions relevant to specific area of practice. Provides clinical leadership in the effective use of information technologies to support practice decisions.
2.5 Uses a formal approach to monitor and evaluate client responses to interventions. Suggested evidence: Case studies References Referrals Clinical notes Provides clinical leadership in evaluating client responses to interventions and directs the modification of the care plan accordingly. Systematically documents and communicates evaluation process and changes to management plan. Demonstrates evaluation processes that measure the efficacy of practice to client outcomes, population based outcomes and the health care environment.
Nurse practitioner competencies The nurse practitioner: Indicators Applicant to complete Desk auditor to complete Panel to complete Evidence source and page number Evidence source and page number Evidence of notes Met/ Not met  3.3 Actively involved in quality assurance activities that monitor and improve the quality of health care and the effectiveness of own practice. Suggested evidence: Case studies References Teaching activities Supervision contract Involvement in quality groups, Committees. Demonstrates responsibility for quality of health care, risk management and effective resource utilisation. Critiques and develops clinical standards. Influences purchasing and allocation of resources through use of evidence based findings. Participates in regular and formal professional supervision. 4. Prescribing practice Nurse practitioner competencies The nurse practitioner: Applicant to complete Desk auditor to complete Panel to complete Evidence source and page number Evidence source and page number Evidence of notes Met/ Not met 