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 2026 applications
Southern Cross Healthcare network hospitals accepting grads, for mid-year 2026, are yet to be advised but will be published on this webpage. Mid-year semester applications open on 8 April 2026 at 9am and close on 5 May at 12pm (noon). Successfully matched nursing graduates begin work with employers from 7 September 2026
Applications
Applications for the mid-year semester 2026, open on 8 April and should be mad through the ACE nursing website. Applications close at noon Tuesday 5 May.
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 >
5 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 launched Perioperative Training for nurses new to working in operating theatres. Find out more >
Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships
The Southern Cross Health Trust is proud to partner with six nursing schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, investing $1 million in 2026 to support the next generation of nurses through the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme.
As part of the Trust’s commitment to supporting and growing the nursing workforce, the scholarship programme is designed to meet the unique needs of student nurses - significantly easing financial stress during their studies and clinical placements.