Passed your OSCE? Now step inside a real New Zealand aged care facility before your first job.

Passing the OSCE is a huge achievement, but many nurses tell us the same thing: “I’ve never actually worked in a New Zealand facility.”

• Employers ask for NZ experience and local references, and you don’t have them yet.
• In interviews it’s hard to talk confidently about how a NZ shift runs, how RNs delegate, or what an HCA does.
• Your CV shows overseas experience, but nothing current in New Zealand.

This programme closes that gap.

A structured, 8-week introduction to how New Zealand healthcare really works, in two parts:

• Weeks 1–2 with HCAs: see daily care up close: routines, resident needs, what HCAs do and how they work with the RN.
• Weeks 3–6 with RNs: see how an RN runs a shift: handover, delegation, medication rounds, documentation, escalation and working with the wider team.
• Your portfolio: completed during placement and checked and signed off by your preceptor.
• Weekly catch-ups with a clinical tutor to review your progress and answer your questions.

• NZ experience on your CV: you can list your current placement at the facility while you apply for jobs.
• Local references: from colleagues, preceptors and supervisors who have seen you work.
• Interview confidence: you’ll know exactly what to say because you’ve seen how a shift runs.
• A faster start in your first job: you already know the systems and expectations, because you’ve worked alongside RNs.
• Knowing what employers expect: you’ll understand what NZ employers look for before you apply.
• Visibility to employers: facilities sometimes offer roles to placement nurses they want to keep. This is a possible bonus, not a guarantee.

This programme is for internationally qualified nurses who:

• already hold an APC with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (ideal), or
• have passed the OSCE and are waiting for their APC (also welcome).

It is especially valuable if you are finding it hard to get your first New Zealand nursing job, or if you have never seen a New Zealand clinical or aged care facility.

Next cohort: dates will be announced once First cohort — November 2026 is full. Register your interest now and we’ll give you priority for the next intake.

1. Check your eligibility online (2 minutes): tell us your registration, visa and availability.
2. We call you: our team reviews your answers and contacts you to talk through your options.
3. Receive your offer: including fees, your placement location and what to prepare.
4. Sort your visa (if needed): our licensed immigration adviser can help.
5. Complete the online learning before your placement start date.
6. Arrive 2–3 days early, visit the facility and introduce yourself.
7. Start your placement: build your portfolio, get signed off, collect your references.

Coming for First cohort — November 2026? Apply for your seat and organise everything (visa, insurance, accommodation and travel) within the next 2 weeks.

You must hold a valid visa for the whole programme, until your placement finishes.

If you are already in New Zealand

• If your current visa (for example, an occupational registration visitor visa or a visitor visa) is valid until the end of the programme, you’re ready to go.
• If your visa will expire before the programme ends, we can help you apply for an extension or a new visa.

If you are overseas

• You already have an occupational registration visitor visa (1-year, multiple entry) and have finished your OSCE: you may be able to travel on the same visa. Please note: there is a small risk that border officers may not allow entry, because that visa was issued for occupational registration rather than for a programme like this. We’ll explain the risk before you decide.
• You don’t have a suitable visa: we can apply for a Student and Internship Visitor Visa, supported by an offer letter from the training provider and a letter from the clinical placement provider. Visa and immigration adviser fees apply, and we’ll give you a full quote. Start straight away, because you need everything organised within 2 weeks of applying.

Every case is different. Our licensed immigration adviser will confirm the right option for you.

• Placement location: aged care facilities in the Auckland and Waikato regions. We confirm your exact facility at the time of joining.
• Accommodation and transport: you arrange your own accommodation and transport near your placement. We’re happy to guide you.
• Arrive early: please arrive in the area 2–3 days before your placement starts, visit the facility and introduce yourself.
• Uniform: you’ll need a professional uniform. We’ll discuss the details at the time of your offer.
• Insurance: you need professional indemnity insurance, which most nurses get through membership of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) at nzno.org.nz. We also recommend student/travel medical insurance for your time in New Zealand.
• Documents: have copies of your passport and your OSCE result or APC ready.