For generations, nurses have played an invaluable role in health and wellbeing. Jacinda King, the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) Postgraduate Nurse Coordinator, is a thought leader and champion for change in the field she made her professional home almost 15 years ago when she graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree.
Within Jacinda’s current role as a Postgraduate Nurse Coordinator, she ensures nurses across the Canterbury Health system have access/are supported to undertake postgraduate nursing education. This includes coordination of postgraduate nursing funding to meet Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ) contractual requirements. Her current role also includes coordination of Ara Nursing graduate level education funding for CDHB staff. As the recipient of the Ara Foundation Nursing Scholarship, Jacinda is also undertaking her Masters Research through Ara Institute in 2018.
“This research will be focused on Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQN’s) experiences of transitioning to acute nursing practice within New Zealand. It will provide valuable insight and information for both Ara and the CDHB in relation to preparation and transition of IQN’s into our workforce,” Jacinda explains.
“In Canterbury, we have a significant challenge ahead to maintain a sustainable and effective nursing workforce. Within my career aspirations, I am committed to meet[ing] this challenge.”
“In Canterbury, we have a significant challenge ahead to maintain a sustainable and effective nursing workforce that will meet the needs of the population in the future by providing the right nurses, at the right place, at the right time, and a future nursing workforce that is fit for purpose. Within my career aspirations, I am committed to working in collaboration with Ara and the CDHB to meet this challenge.”
Jacinda King was awarded the Ara Foundation Nursing Scholarship at a value of $5,000