Nurse Entry To Practice (NETP) programme
NETP at Southern Cross Healthcare
The Southern Cross Healthcare NETP programme gives nursing graduates the opportunity to consolidate and enhance their learning with the support of qualified preceptors in a private surgical setting.
Our standardised learning programme is co-ordinated nationally, and delivered across our network for both mid-year and end of year intakes. Placements can be across our network of hospitals, from Southern Cross hospitals to private hospitals nationwide who we have joint venture relationships with.
Mid-year semester, 2025
Hospitals across our network accepting NETP grads, in the 2025 mid-year semester, are:
Auckland region
North Shore Surgical Centre (a joint venture hospital)
Ormiston Hospital (a joint venture hospital)
Midland region
Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital
Southern region
Southern Cross Endoscopy Centre, Christchurch (a joint venture partner)
Applications
Applications for the 2025 mid-year semester should go through the ACE nursing website. Applications close at noon Tuesday 29 April.
Email Julie Hedley, Southern Cross Healthcare National Education Lead, to learn more about the Southern Cross Healthcare NETP programme: julie.hedley@schl.co.nz


6 reasons to choose Southern Cross Healthcare for NETP
- Each Southern Cross nursing graduate is assigned one or two qualified Preceptors - experienced registered nurses and mentors who offer pastoral care and a safe place to talk.
- Southern Cross graduates are supported until they indicate they are ready to independently complete tasks. As graduates develop confidence and competence, their workload and scope of practice gradually increase.
- New Southern Cross graduates develop their registered nurse practice primarily through experience in PACU, day surgery, theatre and the ward.
- Southern Cross Healthcare is a not for profit and invests significantly in its employees. Preceptor qualifications and graduate/post graduate papers are funded by Southern Cross and new graduate workloads accommodate for study time.
- Southern Cross Healthcare has been recognised as a great place for undergraduate nurses. Find out more >
- Southern Cross Healthcare has launched Perioperative Training for nurses new to working in operating theatres. Find out more >
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships

The Southern Cross Health Trust is comitted to supporting and growing the nursing workforce. In partnership with AUT, we have launched a new scholarship programme to alleviate common challenges nursing students face, including financial strain and wellbeing concerns. AUT's excellent reputation, robust student support systems, and close ties to Southern Cross hospitals make it the ideal partner for this pilot initiative.
View the criteria for the Southern Cross
Nursing Scholarships at AUT >


Meet Alex, from NETP grad to preceptor
Alex is one of our ward nurses who completed the Southern Cross NETP programme. Alex not only shines at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital but also competes at international level in ice hockey. Only 18 months after starting with us as a new grad, Alex is paying it forward and training as a new grad preceptor.
