Studying together at NorthTec results in both mother and daughter becoming qualified nurses
Amongst the 200 plus students graduating from NorthTec on Friday will be mother and daughter, Ramona and Amber Hellesoe
of Whangarei, who are both being awarded a Bachelor of Nursing Degree (Level 7).
Ramona says that graduating on Friday is a big deal for the two of them and that they are really happy having qualified
as nurses. They are the fourth and fifth members of their family to do so.
Ramona said she and Amber opted to become nurses, largely because they have always enjoyed helping people.
Being a mature student, Ramona had reservations about what tertiary education might be like when her daughter persuaded
her to enrol on the Foundation Studies programme at NorthTec with her in 2008.
From her Foundation Studies experience, Ramona said she grew in confidence and knew from that moment on that she and
Amber could go on and achieve their qualifications in nursing. Both have found employment locally using their new
nursing qualifications.
Amber Allen is currently a nurse on Ward 1 at Whangarei Hospital and Ramona is working at the North Haven Hospice at
Tikipunga where she also spent time during her practicum.
As a mature graduate Ramona feels fortunate to be in a place like New Haven Hospice where she is enjoying being a
palliative care nurse with a supportive team behind her.
North Haven Hospice works alongside more than 550 patients who have been diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses. The
Hospice has a team of nurses in its inpatient unit, where Ramona is based, and a team of community nurses.
Ramona commented that the training she and Amber Allen received at NorthTec had prepared them well for what they are now
facing daily on the job.
“I love my job. Is it what I expected? After my studies at NorthTec, yes it is.”
North Haven Hospice General Manager, Peter Bassett, says he is pleased to have Ramona on the staff.
“It is great to see Ramona, who came here as a student, to return as an employee. Her training has set her up well to
work here and she has a great set of skills which she uses every day in her work with our patients.”
Ramona said sharing the study experience with her daughter, where they were able to constantly encourage and support one
another, had been something they would always cherish.
She urged people to have faith in their own abilities and to grab hold of opportunities. “The world is your oyster. If
you don’t try, you will not succeed,” she said.
On Friday, from 2.00pm at Forum North, Diploma and Degree students graduating from NorthTec will have their education
milestones acknowledged and celebrated with the rest of the Northland community.
Prior to the official ceremony, the graduands will take part in a celebratory procession through Whangarei city centre.
As well as the march, a highlight of Graduation 2011 will be an address from a well-known guest speaker who is being
presented with an Honorary Associate Award by NorthTec.
ENDS