“I would feel inspired and encouraged to carry on trying to make improvements for myself, my colleagues and my community (often in my own time) if the pay reflected how conscientious, skilled, knowledgeable and hard working the profession actually is.” 

I’ve wanted to be a nurse from a very young age, though couldn’t tell you exactly why. I now work in a perioperative unit where I’m required to work across all roles, from scrubbing to recovery.

I’m a passionate advocate in the workplace and I’m really proud when a suggestion I’ve made is implemented and noticeable improvements can be seen. But the undervaluing of nursing makes it hard for me to keep putting in that effort.

I would feel inspired and encouraged to carry on trying to make improvements for myself, my colleagues and my community (often in my own time) if the pay reflected how conscientious, skilled, knowledgeable and hard working the profession actually is.

I also try to challenge the culture of tolerating and avoiding conflict that is so prevalent in nursing. I encourage others to speak up and officially document incidents. This will be particularly important to me in the member-driven NZNO/DHB MECA negotiations.

I have a simple but powerful message for the public:

“Dear New Zealand, tonight when you are tucking your children into bed, a nurse is in the emergency department dealing with an assault victim (she has kids too). Tomorrow when you go to Pilates, a nurse is feeding a stroke victim, and making an assessment of their ability to swallow. Nurses will be there: on sunny days, cold, wet days,  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter, and Waitangi. We are always there because we care.”