Supporting vulnerable patients during a placement in Wairoa has reinforced EIT nursing student Kya Joe’s passion for the profession, which was first inspired by her grandparents’ health journeys.
The 23-year-old (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, and Ngāti Whakaue) is in the final year of EIT’s Bachelor of Nursing, having completed an eight-week placement with the Wairoa Community Mental Health team earlier this year.
Born and raised in Puketapu, Kya attended Sacred Heart College in Napier before completing a Bachelor of Communication at Massey University in Wellington. After spending time in Australia, she returned home to Hawke’s Bay and decided to pursue nursing at EIT.
“What really drew me to nursing was wanting to be there for people in their most vulnerable moments and help them feel cared for and supported,” she said.
“My grandparents were a big inspiration for me. Seeing their health journeys and the care they received made me realise the importance of compassionate nurses.”
Healthcare has deep roots in Kya’s whānau, with her late great-grandmother, Te Maari Joe, having co-founded Te Kupenga Hauora Ahuriri and many of her aunts working as nurses.
Kya says the Wairoa placement was made even more meaningful by staying with her grandparents Diana and Darden King during the week. She has found placements to be one of the most rewarding parts of her degree.
“You learn the theory in class but applying it in real life and seeing how nurses work has been amazing. You also learn so much about communication, empathy and working under pressure.”
She says while nursing studies can be demanding, they have also been deeply rewarding.
“There’s a lot to balance between theory, practical skills and placements, but I love that it’s such a hands-on and meaningful career. It’s a very demanding profession, but it’s really confirmed for me that I’m in the right field.”
Working in a rural community has also been eye-opening for Kya.
“In Wairoa, you see a different side of healthcare. You’re working with people in isolated communities and dealing with not just physical health, but mental wellbeing and cultural wellbeing as well.
“If you have the passion, the heart and the skills, you can make a real difference in vulnerable communities.”
Kya believes nurses play a vital role in supporting patients and whānau through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“Nurses spend the most time with patients during some of their most challenging moments. We provide not only medical support, but emotional support and advocacy as well. Nursing is a profession built on teamwork, compassion, manaakitanga and aroha.”
Kya was awarded the Evolution Healthcare Perioperative Practitioner Scholarship last year, which supports her studies and provides a pathway into the organisation’s New Entry to Practice programme once she graduates and passes her state exam.
She hopes to move into a competitive acute nursing role after completing her degree, such as ICU, ED, NICU, or Theatre.
Kya acknowledged the nurses and mentors who have supported her throughout her studies and placements, including staff from the surgical ward, dialysis team and Wairoa Community Mental Health Service.
“The encouragement, guidance and manaaki I’ve received from nurses throughout my studies has really shaped my journey and reminded me of the kind of nurse I want to become.
“Ngā mihi nui to all the nurses who continue to uplift tauira like myself. Your mahi not only cares for our communities but inspires the next generation to walk proudly in both nursing and te ao Māori.”
Katie Rongonui, Acting Head of the School of Nursing, said: “Kya has demonstrated a strong commitment to her nursing studies and a genuine passion for supporting the health and wellbeing of others”.
“Throughout the programme, she has shown compassion, dedication, and a willingness to embrace learning opportunities that have contributed to her growth as a future nurse.
“We are proud of her achievements to date and the positive contribution she makes to our nursing community. I look forward to seeing her continue to develop and thrive as she progresses through the programme and into her nursing career.”