Melissa Gratwicke

“After returning to New Zealand during the pandemic and working at a skin cancer centre, I realised how much I loved the clinical side of my role. I was surrounded by incredible clinicians who had lived such colourful and fascinating lives. That experience really confirmed my decision to pursue further study in nursing.

“I chose to study at Waipapa Taumata Rau because the Master of Nursing Science programme stood out for its strong reputation, quality education and supportive, tight-knit community. That’s exactly what I’ve experienced here.

“In addition to studying, I work part-time as a medical administrator. Whether you have five or 45 years of your career left, it’s never too late to pivot, and your life experiences from before you start will be some of your greatest assets.”

“My research project focuses on rural workforce development, specifically looking at factors that influence rural career intentions among University of Auckland nursing students. I was nervous at first, but it’s become one of the highlights of my studies. It feels meaningful to contribute to something that supports equity in healthcare and is specific to nursing and our university context.

“This programme is incredibly immersive. You’re exposed to so many different settings and specialties, and the clinical skills and experience you gain are invaluable. One of the greatest benefits has been the support from our lecturers and clinical educators. They genuinely care, listen, and work with us to shape the programme to meet our needs.

“Our cohort is small and we’ve built a close bond. That sense of connection and support has made this experience really special.

“Once I graduate, I hope to get a nurse entry to practice position in perioperative nursing with the goal of working in theatre nursing in plastic and reconstructive surgery."

"The support here is real. You’re not just a number. Lecturers know your name, your classmates become friends, and you feel like you’re part of something meaningful. It’s a challenging programme but you’re never doing it alone and it’s so worth it.”