26 Jan 2014

Nurse scholarship scheme expanded

10:32 am on 26 January 2014

More graduate nurses are being offered scholarships to work in doctors' practices in high-need communities this year.

Last September the Government launched a one-off, $1.5 million scholarship fund to enable 30 graduate nurses to work in doctors' practices in communities with the greatest need.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said 48 scholarships will now be offered under a new programme. The scholarships are worth up to $50,000 each.

Mr Ryall said there has been a lot of interest from nurses and doctors' practices which can struggle to recruit in certain areas.

It will enable nurses to get jobs and complete their training in a tight job market for new nurses.

They're expected to work in communities including Kaikohe, Waitakere, Mangere, Murupara, Kawerau, Wairoa, Whanganui and Aranui.