Tokomaru Bay woman on target for nursing career

Nursing in her future: Health of people on the East Coast is set to benefit from the commitment and determination of Tokomaru Bay woman Jaedi Davies pictured with her “why” — her children Ison-Kene Te Reo, 7 and Lezae Te Reo, 11. Picture supplied

A study and career preparation course with EIT Tairāwhiti has set a Tokomaru Bay woman on the path she has dreamed about.

The Level Three and Four courses taken by Jaedi Davies this year has given her the skills and confidence to enrol to do a nursing degree next year.

The 36-year-old mother of two has travelled the three-hour return trip every day to Gisborne to take part in her course.

Her commitment and determination is reflected in her final grades, her tutor says.

“Prior to studying my partner and I weighed it up whether the travel was worth it.

“My partner is really supportive and with the help of family I have stuck it out.”

Jaedi left high school, went into the army and then went to Australia with her partner to work.

“We came home in 2019 and I didn't want to do nothing.

“We have an ill son, Ison-Kene, and basically he is my why to do nursing.”

Now seven-years-old, Ison-Kene spent the first six months of his life in a newborn intensive care unit.

“That gave me a new-found appreciation for what nurses did for my family.

“I could see myself doing that for others.

“We know nurses are needed in New Zealand especially on the coast.

“I just want to help people.”

She decided to do the study and career preparation course because it had been a long time since she had been at school.

“I didn't want to go into a bachelor programme not knowing the right way to write an essay and study.

“The tutors and students were a really awesome bunch and the tutors wanted nothing but the best out of everyone and to help them achieve their goals.

“I would recommend doing the preparation course if you haven't studied for a while. It's the little things like academic writing that kinda don't matter, but do make a big difference in your marks.”

The courses definitely helped with the right knowledge and skills and exposed all students to a lot of opportunities for the future, she says.

Having a great support network at home has been huge.

“I am so grateful for my family helping with the kids.

“I don't even need to ask — they are always there for me.”

Her goal once finished her nursing degree is to put her skills to work on the coast.

“I want to help out our vulnerable people with an emphasis on health and wellbeing.

“When I grew up health issues were brushed off as nothing important by parents and grandparents.

“But those indicators are important to act on — by looking after yourself you will have a better and longer life and see your kids and mokopuna grow up.”