Question 1

What are the benefits of being a member?

Accepted Answer

As a member of the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) Inc., you will be part of a professional organisation that supports nursing practice, promotes the health of our communities, and advocates for the nursing profession at a national level.  Benefits of membership include:Professional Indemnity Insurance of up to $1 million in New Zealand (conditions apply)Scholarships and GrantsAccess to education workshops - Supervision, Mentoring, Mental Health & Addictions, Aged Residential Care.Belong to a bicultural organisation that supports excellence in nursing practiceBe part of a professional organisation focused on nursing issues and the health of our communitiesContribute to an organisation that influences health policy and decision making at a national levelConnect with a dynamic network of nurses committed to high standards of practiceRegular email updates on current health informationOpportunities to contribute to relevant submissionsAccess to Nursing Praxis in Aotearoa New Zealand Recognition as a leader in your specific field of nursing (Fellow Benefit Only)Use of FCNA(NZ) after your name (Fellow Benefit Only)

Question 2

Is it simple to join?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Simply visit our Membership page and select Join Today. Your membership starts once your first payment is received. Payment can be made by credit card, online banking, or invoice.

Question 3

What are the current membership fees?

Accepted Answer

Click here for current membership fees

Question 4

What does Professional Indemnity Insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed to protect members against legal costs and damages associated with civil liability claims arising from their professional nursing practice.The College's Professional Indemnity Insurance provides individual representation for each insured member and covers eligible nursing activities undertaken anywhere in New Zealand, subject to the terms, conditions, and limits of the policy.For a full explanation see Indemnity Insurance section for FAQ on Indemnity Insurance.

Question 5

My employer has received a complaint and wants to meet with me to discuss it, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Seek advice as early as possible. We encourage members to contact the College as soon as they become aware of a complaint, whether it relates to a general workplace complaint or a potential indemnity issue.Our experienced team can discuss your situation, provide guidance, and, where appropriate, arrange support. Contact us on (06) 358 6000 for advice.

Question 6

How does an Individual Employment Agreement work?

Accepted Answer

An Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) is a negotiated agreement between you and your employer that sets out the terms and conditions of your employment. All IEAs must meet minimum employment standards and legal requirements in New Zealand.Before entering into an IEA, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities and be prepared to discuss your needs and expectations with your employer. You may choose to have a support person present during discussions.We recommend seeking independent advice before signing any employment agreement. Further information about employment rights and minimum standards is available from Employment New Zealand.

Question 7

Does the College of Nurses negotiate rates of pay for members?

Accepted Answer

No. The College of Nurses Aotearoa is a professional organisation, not a union, and does not negotiate collective rates of pay on behalf of members.Many nurses are employed under Individual Employment Agreements (IEAs), which provide an opportunity to discuss and negotiate terms and conditions of employment that suit your individual circumstances, such as hours of work, leave arrangements, and remuneration.Before signing an IEA, we recommend seeking independent advice and reviewing the resources available from Employment New Zealand.

Question 8

I require confirmation of my professional indemnity insurance cover/membership. How do I get this?

Accepted Answer

Please email member@nurse.org.nz or admin@nurse.org.nz and we will provide confirmation of your membership and/or professional indemnity insurance cover.

Question 9

If my membership is suspended for non-payment, how can I reinstate my membership?

Accepted Answer

Under the College Constitution, membership may be suspended if fees are three months overdue. We will make every effort to contact you and provide reminders before any suspension occurs.If your membership is suspended, your professional indemnity insurance cover will cease and you will no longer be entitled to member benefits.To reinstate your membership, you will need to reapply through the Join Today section on our website. Please note that professional indemnity insurance cover cannot be backdated to any period during which your membership was suspended.To avoid suspension, please ensure your contact details remain up to date and that membership fees are paid by the due date. If your email address, phone number, or other contact details change, please notify us as soon as possible.For assistance with your membership, please contact member@nurse.org.nz.

Question 10

What do I do if I am experiencing financial hardship?

Accepted Answer

The College of Nurses Aotearoa is committed to supporting nurses. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are concerned about your membership fees, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation.You can contact us by email at admin@nurse.org.nz or by phone on (06) 358 6000. All enquiries will be treated confidentially.

Question 11

My membership is part-time, but I have increased my hours. Is my membership cover affected and what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Members working more than 24 hours per week are required to hold the appropriate full-time membership category.It is your responsibility to notify the College if your working hours change and your membership category is no longer correct. Failure to maintain the appropriate membership category and fees may affect your professional indemnity insurance cover.If your employment circumstances change, please contact member@nurse.org.nz as soon as possible so your membership can be updated.

Question 12

I'm going on parental leave or travelling overseas. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are taking time away from work in New Zealand, including parental leave or travelling overseas, you may be able to change your membership category or resign and rejoin at a later date.We encourage members to contact the College before making any changes so we can discuss the most appropriate membership option for their circumstances.If you are unsure which membership category is right for you, please contact us for advice.

Question 13

How do I resign or cancel my membership?

Accepted Answer

To resign your membership, please email member@nurse.org.nz with your preferred resignation date. We are unable to accept resignations by phone, as all resignations must be recorded in writing.Membership fees remain payable up to the date your resignation is received. For further information, please refer to the College rules

Question 14

I've changed my name or contact details. Do I need to do anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please notify the College as soon as possible if your name, email address, postal address, phone number, or other contact details change. Keeping your details up to date helps ensure you continue to receive membership communications and important information.Please email member@nurse.org.nz or admin@nurse.org.nz with your updated details.

Question 15

How do I log in to the member portal on the College of Nurses website?

Accepted Answer

To access your member portal, click Log In in the top right-hand corner of the website.If you are unable to log in, please try resetting your password first. If you continue to experience difficulties, contact member@nurse.org.nz and we will be happy to assist.

Membership FAQ