Unlikely recruits fulfil nursing ambitions

Nursing student Dean James (front) with RAPHS' Elaine Barrington, fellow nursing student Joselynn Burgess and Vicky Gaunt, also from RAPHS. Photo / Ben Fraser

They may have taken their time finding their career, but Joselynn Burgess and Dean James know one thing - there's nothing they'd rather do than nursing.

The pair, both first year nursing students at Waiariki Institute of Technology, have just been awarded scholarships through the Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS) nursing scholarships programme.

Neither fell straight into nursing.

Miss Burgess has been busy studying all sorts of things and only really became interested in nursing after looking after her aunty and also receiving care as a patient.

For Mr James, it was becoming involved with health promotion that led him into the career. He saw the impact mens' health promotion programmes had and wanted to take it a step further into nursing.

A former forestry man, he admitted it was a bit of a change. He is one of just three male nurses in the 60-odd students in his year.

Mr James said supporting a family member though the last stages of a terminal illness had also given him reason to want to become a nurse.

The pair are just a few months into a three-year degree and have just been on their first placement at Rotorua Hospital.

Both said it gave them a real insight into the career.

"I absolutely loved it," said Miss Burgess.

"I definitely know I've picked the right career."

The RAPHS Scholarship was established in 2008 to help local secondary school students with their training.

RAPHS director of nursing and community care manager Vicky Gaunt said the scholarships were targeted at those with an interest in primary health.

RAPHS is an independent health management organisation committed to health care excellence in the Rotorua area.