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.
Semester 1, 2026
Our NETP intake for semester 1, 2026 runs between 9am 6th August to midday 2nd September. Hospitals across our network accepting NETP grads in semester 1, 2026 are:
Auckland region
Southern Cross Brightside Hospital
Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital
Ormiston Hospital (a joint venture hospital)
Midland region
Southern Cross Hamilton Hospital
Southern Cross Rotorua Hospital
Grace Hospital, Tauranga (a joint venture hospital)
New Plymouth
Southern Cross New Plymouth Hospital
Central Region
Southern Cross Wellington Hospital
Southern Region
Southern Cross Christchurch Hospital
Southern Endoscopy Centre, Christchurch
Applications
Applications for semester 1, 2026, should go to the ACE nursing website. Applications close at noon Tuesday 2 September.
Email Julie Hedley, Southern Cross Healthcare National Education Lead, to learn more about the Soutehrn Cross Healthcare NETP programme: julie.hedley@schl.co.nz
Busting the myths: Why starting your nursing career with Southern Cross Healthcare sets you up for success
Thinking about where to start your nursing career NETP graduate nurse Fia from Southern Cross Brightside Hospital has quickly become an advocate for the private sector — and she’s busting some of the biggest myths about it. Her first 8 months at Southern Cross Healthcare have been full of exposure to interesting work, excitement and skill development.
Read the full story to see how NETP at Southern Cross Healthcare sets new nurses up for success >
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 >