NCNZ Professional Responsibility 2

Question 1

Under NZ law, what happens if a nurse practises without a current annual practising certificate (APC)?

Accepted Answer

They are committing an offence under the HPCA Act and may face prosecution and disciplinary action

Answer

They can continue practising for up to 3 months while they renew

Answer

Nothing — the APC is optional for experienced nurses

Answer

They can practise but cannot prescribe medications

Question 2

What is the role of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (HPDT) regarding NZ nurses?

Accepted Answer

To hear and determine disciplinary charges against nurses for professional misconduct or incompetence

Answer

To negotiate nurses' employment contracts

Answer

To accredit nursing education programmes

Answer

To manage hospital complaints on behalf of patients

Question 3

What is the NZ nurse's obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Accepted Answer

To practise in a culturally safe manner that respects Māori health perspectives and addresses health inequities

Answer

To speak te reo Māori fluently

Answer

To work in Māori health services for at least one year

Answer

The Treaty has no relevance to nursing practice

Question 4

What must a NZ nurse do if they are charged with a criminal offence?

Accepted Answer

Notify the Nursing Council of New Zealand as soon as reasonably practicable

Answer

Keep it confidential until the court case is concluded

Answer

Only notify their employer, not the NCNZ

Answer

No notification is required unless convicted

Question 5

What is the NZ nursing standard regarding documentation of patient care?

Accepted Answer

All nursing assessments, interventions, and outcomes must be accurately and contemporaneously documented

Answer

Documentation is only required for medications administered

Answer

Verbal handover is sufficient — written records are optional

Answer

Only nurses in hospitals need to document care

Question 6

Under the HPCA Act, what is a 'competence review' and when might NCNZ order one?

Accepted Answer

An assessment of a nurse's competence, ordered when concerns arise about their ability to practise safely

Answer

An annual exam all nurses must pass to maintain registration

Answer

A review of hospital competence standards conducted every five years

Answer

A self-assessment questionnaire completed voluntarily by nurses