Introduction to the College
Welcome and thank you for viewing Te Ao Māramatanga New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses. We are a professional body that represents mental health, addiction and disability nursing.
We look forward to sharing knowledge, research and collegiality with people like yourself who wish to be an active part of continuing to support people, tangata whaiora, and whānau with their psychosocial and physical wellbeing.
We encourage you to join the College so that you can take part in the activities of your local College Branch and where you can voice your professional issues and network with other College members in your area.
Once you join us, you will have access to the member’s area of the website and will be able to view information exclusive to members only. You will find information about the College – Meet the Board; Branches and Māori Caucus.
The website is regularly updated with information and news on mental health and related issues, including the College newsletter and a variety of other links.
We also have a Facebook page where you can access information, this can be found under ‘Te Ao Māramatanga New College of Mental Health Nurses.’
We also recommend that you become familiar with the College Constitution and that you read the Standards of Practice for Mental Health Nursing in New Zealand.
We look forward to welcoming you and working alongside you. Any queries please contact registrar@nzcmhn.org.nz
The functions of Te Ao Māramatanga New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses are to:
- represent the professional interests of psychiatric, mental health, addictions and/or disability nurses in Aotearoa New Zealand, and those Enrolled Nurses who work in mental health settings in Aotearoa New Zealand;
- promote and develop the identity of psychiatric/mental health nurses as specialists working in a clinical specialty field via representation and liaison;
- obtain recognition of the professional status of psychiatric/mental health nurses and to promote public awareness of mental health nursing;
- advance the educational and clinical expertise of members;
- promote and develop nursing codes of ethics, education, research and practice which are culturally safe and encompass the three articles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the principles of Kawa Whakaruruhau;
- approve national standards of practice taking into account the unique cultural, social and political conditions existing in New Zealand to guide members in their professional practice;
- develop and support research efforts which may benefit the community and the profession;
- promote clinical career pathways within the clinical specialty field;
- promote awareness of the members about political decisions which may affect the clinical and professional role of those members;
- form links with other health professional bodies and organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Benefits to members
- A subscription to the online publication of the International Journal of Mental Health Nurses (present and past issues available via the members’ area of the College website)
- Regular newsletters
- Access to College webinars held throughout the year
- Educational activities that support your area of practice and professional development
- Information on upcoming events and topical issues
- Access to College conferences and wananga
- Access to Nurse Practitioner endorsement scholarship and research funding
- Collegial support for your specialist practice in mental health, addiction and disability nursing
- Keeping up to date with broader health and social sector changes that will impact on nursing in Aotearoa
Become a valued member
Belong to a supportive, professional community passionate about mental health nursing in Aotearoa New Zealand. Join today