Erin Maguire
Bachelor of Nursing
Self-admitted thrill-seeker Erin Maguire is over the moon about passing her nursing state final exams and becoming a registered nurse (RN) because it means she can really get her teeth into her new job.
The 22-year-old completed her Bachelor of Nursing (BN) in November, passed her exams a couple weeks later, and was immediately scooped up by Waikato Hospital in Hamilton to work in the emergency department.
“I went into my degree wanting to do that,” she said. “It’s pretty exciting. I love that you go to work and you don’t know what to expect, what’s going to come through the door first. You get a variety of people, you get your paediatrics, your geriatrics. You get an opportunity to use all of your skills.”
Originally from Rotorua, Ms Maguire returned to her hometown earlier this month to join her former classmates for Waiariki’s graduation ceremony. Year after year, the jade-hooded Bachelor of Nursing graduates far outnumber graduates from any other qualification at Waiariki. This year 81 nurses celebrated their success.
Ms Maguire’s former lecturers from Waiariki’s School of Nursing and Health Studies had extra reason to celebrate the event. Ms Maguire was the 1,000th Waiariki graduate of the BN.
Waiariki’s nursing school is known across the country for its quality curriculum and personable teaching and support staff. Waiariki graduates are highly sought-after by healthcare providers because they know they are getting well-educated employees.
“I did a bit of research,” Ms Maguire said. “Waiariki was ideal because I was from here, but more because their [students’ exam] results are always top state. I heard it was good environment; it’s also smaller. At uni you don’t really get that one-on-one with the lecturers. I’m glad I did that instead of going to a university.”
Her advice for future nursing students? “Expect the unexpected. You only get out what you put in, so I guess go hard and make the most of it. It goes really fast when you’re out in the real world. Also take every opportunity possible and make the best of each of those. Be proactive and do as much as you can.
“You have to really be assertive in the practicum, you have to really know your scope of practice, know your limits and just be safe. It’s important to be safe – to protect yourself, your patients, everyone.” |
