- SIT’s enrolled nursing graduates secured jobs at twice the national employment rate.
- Programme success attributed to high-quality training, structure, and strong industry connections.
- Many graduates, including career changers, benefit from SIT’s nursing education approach.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) School of Nursing graduates have defied national employment trends, with 60% of their 2024 Enrolled Nurse (EN) graduates securing jobs. This is a significant contrast to the national average, where only 30% of new ENs found employment, according to recent reports.
Health New Zealand (HNZ) statistics reveal that of 196 new EN graduates in 2024, just 68 secured jobs, with 44 hired by HNZ. Reports indicate over-recruitment and tight District Health Board (DHB) budgets contributed to limited job opportunities, particularly in North Island centres.
SIT School of Nursing Programme Manager Fiona Soper attributes their graduates' success to several factors. “For example, our 100% pass rate for State Finals (the final exam nurses must pass to practise in New Zealand), it’s also important to recognise this because the November 2024 national pass rate was 64%.”
She highlighted the programme's structure and quality as key advantages, ensuring students build a strong foundation before progressing to advanced nursing skills. “It starts them out at the foundation level; they start right at the basics, to ensure we can see the students manage the foundation skills and are capable of progressing to the more technical aspects of Nursing.”
Soper, an advocate for Enrolled Nursing, drew from her experience as both a nurse and rest home manager. “I can see the value in it.”
While employment rates are not at 100%, Soper noted several reasons beyond job availability, such as graduates balancing young families or career changes. “It’s not just due to job availability, there are other mitigating factors and that’s relevant as well.”
The EN programme attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including those in their fifties seeking a career change. “It’s not [just] school leavers; I have students in their fifties…people who are seeking a complete career change.”
Soper credited SIT’s strong ties with industry stakeholders for their graduates’ success. “It’s the design of the programme, the quality of the programme, and our ongoing positive interactions with our stakeholders.” She added, “We have such a good rapport with our stakeholders in aged care and the DHB, they are very supportive and there to help guide and nurture the students.”
SIT nurses are taught that every placement is an opportunity to make a lasting impression. “All SIT Nurses are taught that every placement is a job interview. They need to demonstrate that professional responsibility from day one; people always remember our students.”
Seeing graduates transition from training to employment is deeply rewarding for Soper. “… you get them in, trained, graduated and employed, then I see them on the ward doing an amazing job (and) it’s almost like I get to say, my job here is done.”