In many countries around the world, a significant portion of the nursing workforce is made up of internationally qualified nurses (IQNs). These nurses are in high demand due to growing healthcare needs and local workforce shortages. But did you know that almost half of New Zealand’s nursing workforce comes from around the globe? These are internationally qualified nurses, in short,IQNs, and their contributions are transforming the face of healthcare in New Zealand.

IQNs – A Growing Force in New Zealand 

Internationally qualified nurses are those who earned their nursing qualifications outside New Zealand and then registered here to practice. Whether they come from bustling cities in the United Kingdom, the sunny shores of the Philippines, or even closer neighbors like Australia, IQNs bring a wealth of experience and diversity to the healthcare system.

As of September 2024, there are 38,667 IQNs working with active practicing certificates in New Zealand. That’s 46.3% of all nurses in the country, nearly half the workforce! What’s even more impressive is how quickly their numbers are growing. Over the past year alone, New Zealand welcomed 8,354 more IQNs, a 28% increase compared to the year before.

Breaking it down:

  • Registered Nurses: 38,213 IQNs are registered nurses, making up nearly half of all RNs in the country.
  • Enrolled Nurses and Nurse Practitioners: While fewer in number, IQNs in these roles still make up 10% of enrolled nurses and 26% of nurse practitioners.

 

Quarterly IQNs Registration by Country/Region

(Source:https://nursingcouncil.org.nz/)

Why New Zealand Need IQNs?

New Zealand’s healthcare system has been under pressure from rising patient needs and a growing population. Local nursing graduates alone can’t fill the demand, so the country looks globally for skilled professionals. IQNs provide an essential boost, helping maintain safe staffing levels and high-quality care.

 

In the last year, nearly 17,500 new nurses joined the register in New Zealand, and an incredible 86% of them were IQNs. Clearly, they are not just a backup plan—they are a vital part of the solution.

 

How to become a Nurse in New Zealand.

There are three main pathways for IQNs to get registered in New Zealand:

 

Assessment of Competence (37%): 

Some nurses need to complete training programs in New Zealand to meet local standards, like the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) or the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

 

Direct Registration (61%): 

Many IQNs register directly without needing additional assessments, though they may have conditions placed on their practice.

 

Trans-Tasman Agreement (2%): 

Nurses from Australia can easily transfer their registration to New Zealand under a mutual recognition agreement.

 

In the last quarter alone, 4,774 IQNs joined the register. That’s nearly 90% of all new nurses added during that time!

 

Where Do The IQNs Come From?

The majority of IQNs joining New Zealand’s workforce hail from:

  • United Kingdom: Leading the pack, with 46% of new IQNs last quarter coming from here.
  • Middle East, India, and Ireland: These regions also contribute significantly, adding diversity and global expertise to our healthcare teams.
  • Philippines, Singapore, and Pacific Islands: Smaller but consistent numbers arrive from these areas, rounding out a truly global workforce.

Interestingly, only 22% of these new IQNs were already living in New Zealand when they registered. Many begin their application process overseas and move here after securing registration.

 

Becoming an IQN in New Zealand isn’t always straightforward. Some must travel here to complete assessments or navigate complex immigration processes. Yet, they persevere because of the opportunities New Zealand offers better work-life balance, and the promise of a brighter future.

 

For New Zealand, the benefits are just as profound. IQNs bring fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and often years of international experience that enrich the local workforce. Their arrival is a win-win situation.

 

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