Practising nursing during a pandemic
17 March 2022
As of Sunday 26 September 2022 the Government no longer requires nurses to follow the mandatory vaccination requirements. The Nursing Council is maintaining this page as a historical record only. Please note that an individual employer might still have vaccination requirements and is permitted to ask about your vaccination status. If you are not vaccinated we recommend that you discuss this with any potential employers.
Registered nurses may practise in a variety of clinical contexts depending on their educational preparation and practice experience. Registered nurses are accountable for ensuring all health services they provide are consistent with their education and assessed competence, meet legislative requirements, and are supported by appropriate standards.
Registered nurses involved in management, education, research and policy making who have not been providing direct care to patients may be asked, or may volunteer to practise in clinical practice. These nurses are not prevented from providing clinical care by their scope of practice but need to ensure that they are able to practise safely and competently. This may require a period of direct or indirect supervision and/or upskilling to ensure safe practice. It will mean identifying their level of competence and seeking assistance, advice and direction as necessary.