NZONA Executive

Hi everyone! I currently work as a Registered Nurse in Middlemore's Day of Surgery Admissions area. This has been a move away from Orthopaedics and involves preparing elective and acute patients for theatre. Some day cases are also managed in our area post operatively.

I completed my training in 1979 under the hospital based programmes at Whangarei Base Hospital.

I worked at Te Kuiti Hospital for approximately 9 months until I married in 1980.  After I married I worked at the Spinal Unit for 1 year prior to the birth of my first child.

I rejoined the workforce 2 years later working for a bureau for about 9 months before taking a position at Middlemore Hospital. I have remained there since 1984, with six months leave when my son was born. During this time I have worked mostly in adult orthopaedics, completing the Orthopaedic Course in 1990.

I have completed my undergraduate degree and a PG Cert. In October 2008 I will graduate from AUT with my Masters in Health Science (Nursing).

This year I have had a break from academic study and am doing a Life Coaching course which has been very insightful.

I am currently the Promotions Officer for NZONA and distribute the Breaking News to the membership monthly. We are only a small group with expectations to grow more.

For me, orthopaedic nursing has been extremely satisfying over the years and I believe that we are on the threshold of great things.