Returning to practice
Te hoki ki te mahi

You are registered with Nursing Council for life. However, if you are not going to be practising as a nurse in New Zealand, you do not need to hold an annual practising certificate (APC). You can easily renew your APC when you wish to return to practice.

Out of practice for less than 5 years

Practising overseas: Any practice hours and professional development completed overseas can be used to support the renewal of your APC in New Zealand.

Taking a break: If you have practised as a nurse within the last 5 years, you are able to renew your APC. Please contact us at [email protected] or on 04 385 9589, and we will make the application available on your MyNC account.

Out of practice for 5 years or more

Please contact the Nursing Council at [email protected] with your full name and registration number and a current CV that shows your nursing experience and what kind of work you have been doing since you last worked as a nurse. Your CV will be reviewed on an individual basis. 

We will contact you to discuss options that may include:

  • placing conditions in your scope of practice
  • completing a return to nursing programme
  • having an employer support your return to nursing.

A nurse in clinical scrubs leans over a hospital cot, providing care in a ward setting. A wall notice about patient identity wristbands and clinical furnishings are visible nearby, indicating a healthcare environment.