Ashlee McNabb, Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa and Tainui, had no aspirations of becoming a nurse until she witnessed first-hand the care her younger brother, born at 34 weeks, received in the special care baby unit (SCBU).
The experience was inspirational for Ashlee. “When I visited my brother in the SCBU I enjoyed caring for him, and feeding him, and I saw what the nurses did,” she said.
“He needed respiratory support and I saw how these nurses are saving babies’ lives. I signed up for nursing straight away.”
Ashlee was able to get a 9-week placement at Hastings Hospital in the special care baby unit where she applied for a programme to work for a year.
“I was so excited when I found out I got into SCBU. I felt supported as I was also doing a post-graduate paper and extra study days. I realised I was able to study and work at the same time.
“Here I gained a lot of hands-on experience that I’ve been able to implement at my new placement.”
Ashlee is now in the neonatal unit at the Gisborne Hospital on a permanent contract and is the NZNO lead (NZ Nurses Organisation) for the neonatal unit.
“I’m enjoying my time here – it’s a supportive and caring environment and I love being here to support māmā and pēpi in their early journey.
“I have the passion for the mahi I do and the career I have ahead of me.”
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