Supported first year of practice for graduate nurses
Starting work in primary or community care? Supported First Year of Practice (SFYP) helps graduate registered nurses (RNs) develop their skills and confidence with guidance and learning opportunities during their first year.
This information is for graduate nurses, preceptors and employers in settings such as general practice, aged residential care and community services.
For graduate nurses
Your first year should include a planned introduction to your workplace, regular clinical guidance and time to learn. Talk with your employer about the support you will receive, including:
An orientation to your workplace, team and community
A named, trained preceptor who guides you in day-to-day practice
A plan for your learning and development, agreed with you
Paid time for study and professional development
Regular feedback and opportunities to discuss your progress
Learning opportunities may include study days, online learning, clinical coaching and learning alongside other nurses and health professionals. Ask your employer or the Workforce Hub what is available in your area.
Looking for a graduate nursing role
PC Connect is a free national service that helps graduate nurses and primary and community care employers find each other. Visit its website to check whether you can register. You can also look for graduate nursing roles through Health New Zealand careers.
Regional support across Te Waipounamu
A regional SFYP model is being developed across Te Waipounamu to build on existing first year support. While this work continues, contact your employer or the Workforce Hub to discuss current local options.
For employers
Graduate RNs bring current knowledge and fresh perspectives to your team. These six steps explain how to recruit a graduate RN and plan a supported first year.
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Health New Zealand offers eligible employers $15,000 for urban roles and $20,000 for rural roles to help employ graduate RNs. Check the current criteria and apply for employer eligibility early. If approved, you will receive an eligibility code and instructions for applying for funding.
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Identify a trained registered nurse to be your graduate’s preceptor. Plan orientation, clinical support, paid study time and an individual learning plan with the graduate. If you need help preparing a preceptor, contact the Hub or your local primary health organisation (PHO).
Employers applying for funding need to meet Health New Zealand’s minimum SFYP requirements. Use the guidance below when planning your support.
Health New Zealand’s SFYP requirements for employers -
You can advertise graduate RN vacancies free of charge through Health New Zealand careers. PC Connect also helps employers connect with graduates across New Zealand.
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Complete your usual recruitment and employment process. Check that your graduate meets the relevant registration and funding requirements.
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Use your eligibility code and the application link Health New Zealand sends you. Health New Zealand encourages applications before the graduate starts work or within 90 days of starting. Submit a separate request for each graduate RN.
Once the placement is complete, email an invoice or taxable supply information to [email protected].
Please include:
The name of your general practice or urgent care provider.
The placement dates.
The house officer’s name and postgraduate year (PGY1 or PGY2).
Payment details, if these are not already held by WellSouth PHO.
GST details, where applicable.
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Put the agreed support plan into practice, meet regularly to review progress and adjust support as needed. Stay in touch with the Hub or your PHO for guidance on learning opportunities, preceptors and first year support.
Need help getting started
Contact the Te Waipounamu Workforce Development Hub for advice about employing a graduate RN, preceptor support or first-year learning opportunities.