Looking to become a registered nurse?

Isabel Jamieson is a senior lecturer above the bar at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury's Faculty of Health. She is the coordinator of the Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) and a registered nurse herself, with a background in perioperative nursing (operating theatre). Isabel has a passion for nursing and supporting learners to succeed.

We chatted to Isabel about why nursing is so fundamental in healthcare and what makes a great nurse.

What’s so interesting about working as a registered nurse?

Nurses play an integral role in the healthcare system, and nursing offers a variety of different career options and roles – whether in clinical practice, health management, health education or research.

Nursing is often described as an art and a science, with the scientific aspect playing a crucial role in the profession today. A great deal of a nurse’s day involves applying scientific principles and evidence-based practice in the care of patients, while also utilising holistic and caring skills such as interpersonal communication and building effective relationships.

How can a Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) help people in their careers? Will graduates get jobs?

We’ve been teaching this programme for over a decade, and we keep in touch with our graduates. We can say that all of them so far have been successful finding work as a registered nurse. Many have progressed to advanced roles such as clinical nurse educators (CNEs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) or charge nurses (CNs).

Nursing is such a fundamental qualification in healthcare that it allows you to specialise in any number of different fields. Nurse educators who work with me on this programme come from a variety of clinical specialties, from working with patients before and after operations, intensive care, mental health nursing and working with therapeutic interventions.

Photo: Isabel teaching learners during a 2024 in-person intensive as part of the Master of Health Sciences (Nursing). 

What makes a good nurse?

Compassion, empathy, a good level of communication skills with all people. Nurses must be able to problem solve and think widely or critically about their work and their patients.

Great nurses also need to have an ability to be flexible and think on their feet and be willing to learn, be accountable and be professional.

Many nurses will find the reality of working in Aotearoa New Zealand involves applying your advanced clinical and nursing knowledge and also in a wide variety of clinical areas and teams.

Do you have any tips for those wanting to become a nurse?

Nursing is a people-oriented profession – you need to want to help people. Many of our learners have had interactions with healthcare professionals that has prompted them to want to train as a nurse. We love the passion and commitment of our learners – they’re inspiring and often have good insights to share.

Nursing is also a huge commitment in time and determination, so be prepared! It will change your life but also take a lot of energy and dedication. It’s hugely rewarding too, to be there alongside a patient and make a difference in practical ways.

Are you ready to begin your nursing career? Take the next step with our Master of Health Sciences (Nursing), blending the best of online and in-person learning.