TDH Nurse Wins Scholarship

Media Statement

Friday 7 November 2003

TDH Nurse Wins Scholarship

Tairawhiti District Health Public Health Nurse Diane Williams was one of 12 nurses nationwide to be awarded a primary health care nursing scholarship this month.

The scholarship worth $4,000, is to be used for course costs and accommodation associated with studying towards a Clinical Masters in nursing, and ultimately, a Nurse Practitioner qualification.

Nurse Practitioners became a new part of New Zealand’s health workforce in 2002, and are the highest level of clinical expert within nursing.

Nurse practitioners advocate health promotion and disease prevention. They look beyond treating the ailment and consider non-medical intervention and encourage self-care. They are also able to diagnose health problems and even in some cases prescribe medication.

“I’ve got four papers to go before I complete a Clinical Masters in Nursing and will then apply for Nurse Practitioner endorsement. Winning this scholarship will make it that much more comfortable for me,” Ms Williams said.

Now a Public Health Nurse in schools, previously Ms Williams was a Primary Health Care Nurse in Te Araroa.

She says it was an isolated position, but because of that, her scope of practice was advanced and she became adept at managing many complex and acute care situations in a remote rural region.

“I was pleased when Nurse Practitioner endorsement was made available, as it verified a lot of the work I was already doing.”

Ms William’s studies are through the Education Institute of Technology in Hawke’s Bay. She hopes to be qualified as Tairawhiti’s first Nurse Practitioner in the near future.

“It’s great that they are happening, and it’s great that here in Tairawhiti, TDH is supporting the services Nurse Practitioners can offer.“

ENDS

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