Solo mum top young nurse
LUKE KIRKEBY reports on this year’s top young nurse. ‘‘Don't just think because you have had a child that that is it.’’ Rosita Richards
certificate and $2000 and said she was passionate about her work with Manawanui Whai Ora Kaitiaki.
‘‘We work predominantly as an extension of the Tokoroa Family Health GP practice and I work closely with a kaiawhina (support worker) going into homes to see anyone with long term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
‘‘We educate families on the conditions and advocate for them during their appointments if they have to see a specialist.
‘‘The kaiawhina does the social work and I do the clinical such as bloods at home.’’
She urged young mothers not to think their lives couldn’t go anywhere.
‘‘It was my plunket nurse Angela Ria who said I would make a really good nurse and I really held onto what she said and I have now done it.
‘‘Don’t just think because you have had a child that that is it.
‘‘It is actually a privilege to be able to grow up with your children and prove to them that even though you had them young it doesn’t stop you from doing anything.
‘‘Always strive for what you want to do in life.’’
Richards also thanked her mother and sister for helping her.