District Nurse
Tasks & duties
District nurses may do some or all of the following:
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see patients, including those referred from hospitals, general practitioners and other district health boards
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assess people in their homes or wherever they feel comfortable
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plan and provide nursing treatment, such as changing dressings, removing sutures and giving injections, to people in their homes
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help keep terminally ill patients comfortable at home and manage their care
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continually review patients' progress and care plans
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establish links with patients' families/whānau, caregivers and other health professionals
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refer patients to appropriate support services in their community
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act as a patient advocate (speak on behalf of patients)
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educate and advise people on health care
Specialisations
District nurses may train to specialise in a particular area of nursing such as:
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respiratory care
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diabetes
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wound care
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smoking cessation (stopping smoking)
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cardiac (heart) care
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oncology (cancer)
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geriatrics (care of the elderly)
Skills & knowledge
District nurses need to have:
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excellent nursing skills and knowledge of different nursing methods
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knowledge of how the human body works
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knowledge of different diseases and illnesses
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knowledge of medicines and treatments, and the effect these have on patients
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an understanding of nursing law and legislation, health policies, and the health system
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knowledge of community and family support services
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communication skills
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interviewing and assessment skills, including good listening skills
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good time management, planning and organisational skills
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decision-making skills
Entry requirements
To become a district nurse you need to have a Bachelor of Nursing and at least three years' clinical experience as a registered nurse. Some regions prefer you to have at least three years' postgraduate nursing experience. However, some areas provide a direct-entry programme for graduates.
A clean driver's licence is also needed.
Secondary education
At least four years of secondary education is required to enter tertiary nursing training, although five years is preferred.
Useful subjects include English, maths, chemistry and biology.
Tertiary education
Postgraduate experience in surgical, medical and geriatric care is encouraged.
Training on the job
New staff receive between two and 12 weeks of orientation training when they begin working as district nurses, and many skills are gained on the job.
District nurses may attend courses and workshops to keep up to date with current nursing practices, new products and treatments. They can also work towards postgraduate qualifications on the job, or train to specialise in a particular area of nursing.
Registration
District nurses need to be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and have a current Annual Practising Certificate.
Other requirements
It is helpful for a district nurse to be familiar with the area they cover, so they understand the specific needs and cultural requirements of the community.
Useful experience
Nursing experience in hospitals, clinics and rest homes is useful for district nursing.
Related courses
Community Client Care
General Medicine
Hauora (Maori Health)
Human Biology
Nursing
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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