NetP (Nursing Entry to Practice) Awards Winners
JANA BOLTON
Jana Bolton
It was a very proud moment for Jana Bolton from Te Rawhiti Family Care Centre, when it was announced she had won the NetP James William (Bill) Frew Memorial Award for 2015.
The award is made to the NetP nurse who has achieved overall excellence, including competency and professionalism, team participation and promotion of the NetP programme.
Jana was unaware her preceptor Jeanette Hight had nominated her for the Award, until her name was read out at the Awards ceremony, along with her accomplishments for the year. "It wasn’t until then that I really realised how much work I had done," she says.
Rather than do the 50 hours of study required of her for the programme, she did 300 because she "just kept finding more courses that would be useful for us at Te Rawhiti". Instead of studying some of the prescribed topics that she says were better suited to hospital nursing, she sought permission to study child health, addiction issues, sexual health and youth health.
She says support and encouragement from her boss Dr Paul Hercock, Pegasus Nursing Development Coordinator Kelly Robertson and especially her preceptor Jeanette were crucial in being able to do the study that she wanted and to take study days away from work. "With their help and support I really made NetP work for me."
Now that she is into the swing of studying, Jana says she would like to learn more about nursing in young high-needs cross-cultural communities, where she wants to continue to work. Jana has been employed to support the low cost access scheme at Te Rawhiti, since she graduated in nursing from Nelson Polytechnic at the end of 2013.
ANN RIDDEN
Ann Ridden
Vivid memories of her own time as a new graduate have influenced award-winning preceptor Ann Ridden in her support of new graduates at the Pegasus Health 24 Hour Surgery.
"I was an older student, starting out in a new career. Having a preceptor was great for my practical skills and confidence."
Ann was awarded the 2015 preceptorship and clinical teaching prize for the NetP programme for her work with graduate nurse Rochelle Pereiro.
In her nomination Rochelle said Ann has "strong teaching and clinical skills which make it easy on a student nurse to learn and develop under her guidance. Her obvious genuine care for her nursing practice makes her a nurse to aspire to".
Rochelle also shared a personal story about having had her laptop stolen with her NetP work on it. "Ann made a care package for me with food and treats for the whole weekend, so I would be able to just get into rewriting my essay. She is thoughtful and kind."
Ann says she has been a preceptor for several undergraduates and feels privileged to be in the role. "It’s delightful to see new graduates flourish and develop their skills. I really enjoy seeing that confidence growing and those positive ah-ha moments."
She says integrating new graduates into a work environment, especially one as busy as the 24 Hour Surgery, requires a whole team approach. "Everyone needs to be prepared to support the new person and allow the preceptor to at times work a little slower or take time out to advise the new graduate. The 24 Hour Surgery team is really good at that."
Ann says Rochelle is a great nurse. "She has a natural aptitude for nursing and has a wonderful set of skills including a fabulous rapport with patients."