September 25, 2017
Persistence pays for budding nurse
An award for nursing students who overcome the odds to succeed has gone to a nurse who puts her upbringing in te ao Maori at the centre of her practice.
The Sacha McKnight Cup is named for a talented nuise who died of cancer in her first year.
Awhina Tapiata from Te Arawa and Ngati Porou, who is completing her final transition placement in the mental health unit at Hillmorton Hospital in Canterbury, was chosen because she has persisted with her studies despite personal trials including loss, grief and mental health-related issues among her family.
The 26-year-old says she has seen the positive impact mental health nursing can have and wants to be a part of that journey to wellbeing for others.
Ms Tapiata is a member of the Waitaha branch of the Maori nurses council Te Kaunihera o Nga Neehi Maori and the Ara Maori Student Ropu.
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