Enrolled Nursing was introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1939. Over the past 80 years, the Enrolled Nurse has undergone several changes: name, length of training, scope of practice and cessation and then re-introduction of training. This research was initiated from concerns raised by Enrolled Nursing studentsand graduates regarding the status and employment of Enrolled Nurses within the Waikato Tainui region. The study has developed from this and investigated the perception of the Enrolled Nurse scope of practice, employment opportunities, the role of the Enrolled Nurse within healthcare teams and regional and employer variances.
Due to the nationwide dissemination of the research information and electronic survey, further data collection has occurred from around Aotearoa New Zealand and is incorporated into the data.