Always motivated by a want to help people is behind a career decision made by Gisborne woman Hayley Wright. 

And getting a Year 13 Scholarship to study in her home town at EIT Tairāwhiti made a huge difference to Hayley achieving that goal and becoming a nurse.  

With no family in the medical profession, choosing nursing was “out of the blue”. 

“When I was at Campion College from about 13 or 14-years-old, I started thinking nursing would be an amazing exciting career. 

“It is something where you can really make a difference in people’s lives and I thought  ‘I could do that’.”  

So three years ago at the end of her high school education, she applied for nursing at EIT Tairāwhiti and the Year 13 Scholarship. 

“Getting the scholarship took a whole lot of pressure off  in the first year. It covered all the first year fees meaning that was one less thing to worry about. 

“In the first few weeks I was sceptical, but by the end of the year I was sure this is what I wanted to do.” 

As well as having the fees paid through the scholarship, she said it was a huge relief to be able to stay at home meaning more cost savings and the added comfort of being around family and friends. 

Another aspect of her study which helped a lot was the support from EIT Tairāwhiti lecturers. 

“It was hard but we always had good support from the people around us. Lecturers were always available when we needed help which really made it easier.” 

Hayley completed her three year nursing study last year and will graduate in May.  

She has secured a full-time job with Hauora Tairāwhiti as a theatre nurse, the direction she intends to continue. 

During her course she completed practical experience in aged care, mental health, surgical and medical wards, at a general practitioner practice and the final placement was theatre.  

“That was when I found out I just love working in theatre. It’s a great team environment. It takes the pressure off working with a good team.” 

Now 20-years-old, Hayley is pleased with her decision to study become a nurse in Gisborne. 

“It has turned out to be the best thing I have ever done.”