Northland scholarships announced

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Four Northland DHB staff will benefit from a scholarship that encourages staff to further their education. The scholarship was made possible by an anonymous $50,000 donation.

Workforce and Wellbeing Manager, Catherine Parker said they received 40 scholarship applications. The selection panel narrowed these down to 16 before the final four were chosen. A portion of the original grant will be distributed to the successful applicants for the 2018/19 academic year and the balance of the monies will be invested for future distribution through Health Fund PLUS. .

The four successful applicants are:

Auriole Cook
Auriole works as an auxiliary worker in the Mental Health and Addictions Department. She applied to the fund to help with her Applied Diploma of Mental Health & Addictions Level 6 through the Open Polytechnic, which she is studying part-time. When she completes an assignment she is more conscious of what she has learnt and is able to apply it to her daily schedule at work. After having applied for several scholarships, Auriole said it now feels like someone has finally given her a break.

Her Team Leader Daniel Manihera says what makes Auriole stand out is that she is always positive, striving to implement new strategies or ideas that will benefit our whai ora and our service while keeping everyone safe. Sally Hapi who works alongside Auriole as a Registered Nurse said she is a real benefit to the service because she is honest, reliable, efficient and highly respected by both staff and IPU clients. “Auriole is absolutely deserving of this scholarship as she is self-driven and passionate, which signifies her dedication and ability to complete what she sets out to start. Auriole is passionate about her role and this is evident in her ability to apply what she has learnt on the ward, which has been beneficial and had positive outcomes for our In Patient Unit clients.”

Amanda House
Amanda works as Administration Support for Medicine, Health of Older People and Clinical Support and is studying towards a Diploma in Business Studies, with a focus on Human Resources from Massey University. Amanda has always been interested in Human Resources and feels that working towards this Diploma would be an achievable challenge for her. She said she is incredibly fortunate to have been awarded the scholarship, and would like to be able to thank the donor personally.

Business and Project Analyst Amanda Gentil recommended her for this scholarship because of her dedication to their team, and her willingness to help others and learn new skills. “She is an organised and driven person and I have no doubt she would put her all into any study she was to enrol in. I believe Amanda would benefit greatly from this scholarship as it would extend her knowledge and skill base, which Northland DHB would, in turn, benefit from.” Fellow team member Jennifer Fielden also commended Amanda’s organisational skills and said that this makes her stand out, combined with being structured and determined, “she will reach any goal or outcome she sets herself”.

Glenys Epiha
Glenys is a Health Care Assistant in the Jim Carney Cancer Treatment Centre. She is studying through the Southern Institute of Technology for a NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation Level 4 so that she can go on to be a registered nurse, then eventually complete her Masters. Glenys said her passion is to stay in New Zealand working in health and she encourages others working in the industry to remain working here as well.

Clinical Nurse Manager at the Centre, Dee Telfer, supported her application saying that she is one of those people who have exceptional skills and life experiences that she can put to use in positions that will benefit not only her but the people/patients she will care for. “This will make the transition seamless for her. Glenys will make a fantastic nurse and I will continue to support her in this journey to ensure we have another exceptional nurse (in the making) added to our profession.” Christina Edmonds who works as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology said to know Glenys Epiha is to know that she is a ray of sunlight, always smiling, always helpful. “She has empathy for patients and the challenges they are experiencing. Softly spoken, patients feel supported and are gently guided. She works hard. Her productivity is spot on. She is well regarded by us all and a joy to work alongside.”

Daryn Thompson
Daryn is a Community Support Worker who is taking the next step toward his Bachelor of Nursing at Northtec. Darren was honoured to have made it through to the final four after hearing how many people applied for the scholarship.

Service Manager Adrian Hatton said that Daryn is a highly regarded Mental Health worker who has shown remarkable loyalty to the service. “He has all the qualities we look for when appointing registered nurses – humanity, honesty, advanced communication skills, intellect, calmness, motivation, engagement and problem-solving skills. Daryn has approached his studies in a serious manner and has excelled.”

Samantha Parata also said that Daryn has proven himself to be a leader within the organisation. “He has impeccable work ethics and always upholds the values of the DHB. It was on my recommendation that Daryn start undergraduate BHsc Nursing study. Early on in his employment I identified his potential and have delegated higher level duties that he has accomplished with ease. He is open to learning and is an exceptional educator. Daryn is committed to his professional development and his grades are in the higher range. He takes any opportunity to enhance his skill base and share his knowledge with others.”

Health Fund PLUS
Health Fund PLUS was set up by Northland District Health Board and Northland Foundation. Health Fund PLUS allows people to make donations to our Northland hospitals or services for the ‘optional extras’ that are so important to patients and their whānau.
For more information on Health Fund PLUS go to this link.

ENDS

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