A new path inspired by a love of learning

Born in Samoa, Kirsten’s family migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand where she was raised. Now based in Titirangi, Auckland, Kirsten says the importance of education was impressed on her from a young age.

“My essence as a person is captured by the saying ‘ole ala ile pule ole tautua’ – that through service to my family, church and community is the pathway to leadership. This aligns with my family values of the significance of God, family and education, therefore securing the next generation and honouring the past. Growing up with that ideal is where I get my passion for learning from. I decided to continue my education by going into a Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) because I wanted a career change and my desire to learn is still very much alive.”

Having previously qualified from Auckland University of Technology, first with a Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology and Applied Mental Health in 2015 and then with a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions in 2017, Kirsten found she was the perfect candidate for the Master of Clinical Practice (Nursing) programme.

The programme, which launched in the second half of 2020, provides a direct pathway into nursing for those who have already obtained any undergraduate degree and want to switch career paths. Students do not need a health or nursing background to apply. Building on their previous learning, the programme supports students to become a registered nurse within two years.

For Kirsten, the programme provided the change she sought as well as the support necessary to make it happen.

“I found that Massey offered a programme that best suited my current situation, with being a mother and working. The delivery of the programme was attractive, and the blended style of teaching is supportive.”

While there have been challenges, Kirsten says she’s been thoroughly enjoying her studies.

“Working and studying full-time was always going to test my time management, but I’m grateful for programmes such as this that allow and cater towards various learning needs. There’s a lot of content to take on, as is necessary in the nursing field, but I’ve enjoyed learning this new information, particularly in bioscience and the fundamentals of nursing.”

Kirsten says it’s the people surrounding her that have enhanced her study so far.

“I’ve met some amazing people who are on the same journey. Being able to navigate this together, through classes, labs and assessments, is important and adds another layer of support throughout the duration of the course.”

“I have a placement in a couple of weeks which is exciting for the experience it will provide. I’d like to acknowledge the teaching and administration team of the Master of Clinical Practice, as there is a lot of time and effort put into organising the various placements,” Kirsten says.

While her current focus is on successfully completing her first semester, her hope is to carry on with the programme, pass the state exam and continue on to becoming a nurse. She says she hopes to see others realise their nursing potential and follow suit.

“If you have a passion for making real change to people’s lives, this is for you. I’d really like to see more of my Pasifika brothers and sisters come through this programme.”

Kirsten says this year’s theme for International Nurses Day is particularly important as the world is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a really fitting theme, as I think we need to reflect on the past as well as review the here and now to plan for the future and search for better health outcomes for all. So often we hear the phrase ‘overworked, underpaid and undervalued’ which needs to change for the benefit of everyone. My hope is that nurses in the future will be recognised for their time, effort and their value in the profession.”

Interested in nursing?

If you are considering a career in nursing, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University hosts interactive workshops on the Auckland, Wellington and Manawatū campuses each year.

The next workshop is on Thursday 6 July 2023. Held in our nursing simulation labs, it is the perfect opportunity to talk to current students and staff and learn about pre-registration pathways into nursing at Massey.

Find out more about the workshop and register here.