Changes to Nurse Colposcopist Training.

The NZNO Women's Health Section's Standards for Nurse Colposcopist Training and Clinical Training Programme Recommendations have been reviewed recently. A number of changes have been made, including the training of overseas nurses wishing to practise in New Zealand. In addition to the nurse practitioner (NP) pathway, the Nursing Council has set up an authorisation process for registered nurses.

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A submission by the National Cervical Screening Programme (NCSP) suggested a number of changes, including clarifying the scope of practice and training requirements for overseas nurses, and the possible need to align the training standards with the Royal Australasian and New Zealand Cortege of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In response to this submission, a meeting was held in Wellington last month with representatives from NZNO, the college, NSCP, Nursing Council and NP in women's Health Georgina Macpherson (see picture right) to discuss these changes.

Further work is being undertaken on this document and members of the women's Health section will be informed of the changes once they are completed.

At the end of August, the Nursing Council informed Jill Lamb that she is now authorised to work as a nurse colposcopist. Lamb began her supervised training in 2007 and completed her masters thesis earlier this year. "This authorisation means I will be able to work in my own clinics with indirect supervision. I will submit a business case to the Canterbury District Health Board to be employed in this role."

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