Walking Alongside Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs): The Value of Supervision in a New Landscape

In my managerial and clinical leadership roles, I have had the privilege of working alongside many Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs) across both aged care and mental health settings. IQNs bring immense strengths including strong clinical knowledge, determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people they care for. Many arrive in Aotearoa navigating not only a new health system, but also a new cultural landscape.

According to the Nursing Council of New Zealand’s March 2026 Quarterly Data Report, almost 44% of nurses currently holding NZ registration are IQNs, that is over 35,000 clinicians. This is a significant and growing part of our workforce. With this comes both opportunity and challenge.

For many IQNs, the transition into New Zealand practice involves learning new processes such as referral pathways, completing documentations, and interprofessional communication. It also requires developing competence in cultural safety, particularly understanding health inequities in Aotearoa and the responsibilities we hold as health practitioners.

Supervising IQNs is about supporting them in understanding the clinical systems of New Zealand and equally important is also the nuances of our culture. At times, this looks like encouraging intentional use of basic te reo Māori in greetings. Other times it involves helping IQNs navigate how to work alongside whānau, or how to approach conversations in ways that align with local expectations of partnership and respect.

However, not all IQNs in New Zealand have access to this kind of supervision. Workplace pressures, time constraints, and limited resources can make reflective support feel like a luxury rather than a standard of practice. Without adequate guidance, IQNs may find themselves navigating compounding pressures alone which can compromise capability, safety, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

To IQNs practicing across Aotearoa: Have you considered supervision as part of your transition and growth?

To organisations employing IQNs: Are there sufficient supports in place to help your IQN workforce navigate their season of transition?

With the right supervision, IQNs bring immense potential, fresh perspectives, and meaningful contributions to the teams and communities they serve. The question becomes: How do we bring out the best in our IQNs?

Because when IQNs are supported to navigate their season well, they inevitably strengthen the workplace around them and ultimately, the care delivered to the people of Aotearoa.