Record pass rates and some emotional journeys were celebrated at a Bachelor of Nursing Pacific (BNP) programme event at the Ōtara Campus on Tuesday 19 August.

The pass rate on the programme from the July State Finals has more than doubled in two years to 83%.

Anna Poe, who completed her degree in July and has now landed a job as a theatre Nurse at Auckland Hospital, told ākonga at Tautua Leadership Celebration to believe in themselves.

Anna Poe (right) with her cohort of Bachelor of Nursing Pacific

“It’s not for the weak-hearted. I questioned whether I was capable of caring for someone in their most vulnerable moments. Remember that you have something that other nurses don’t have, and that’s your cultural identity. Use it,” Anna says.

“What I also learned is that nursing isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with compassion and patience wanting to serve. The challenges have been real. The early mornings; the placements.”

“Remember that mistakes are not failures – they’re stepping stones to be the nurse you were meant to be. Lean in on your placements. You want them to remember you.”

Josephine Sasa, Programme Lead of the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific, developed Tautua Leadership programme at MIT.

The programme, along with BNP Tuakana Tehina mentoring initiative, provide support and leadership opportunities for Pacific Nursing ākonga.

Ms Sasa, who MCed the event, introduced groups of cohorts to be celebrated by their peers. There were tears, laughter, singing, dancing and some deeply personal stories.

Josephine says the event is to celebrate the achievements of ākonga.

“For last semester, we got 16 students who got an A in at least one of their papers, but it’s not just about the marks, it’s about the students putting in the hard work and embracing their cultural identity. It’s about knowing how important that is as part of them as a nurse.

“We have the Pacific Nursing programme because we know the health statistics of Pacific people in Aotearoa. If we have a workforce that looks like the community they’re serving, speaks their language and is able to engage with them, then the patients are more likely to have a positive experience and outcome.”

The celebration event included plenty of singing and dancing

Te Ara Oranga kaimahi were also at the celebration. The health workforce development service supports Māori and Pasifika students throughout their journey, from study to employment.

Ms Sasa says there is great wrap around support for Pacific ākonga at MIT. “A lot of them have family obligations and it’s something that it’s a big part of their life. That support helps them to keep on track with their studies. The event has been emotional.

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First year ākonga Filomena Seumanutafa

Filomena Seumanutafa, who is in her first year, decided to be a nurse after her son was diagnosed with Global Development Delay.

“Seeing a lot of the care that went into him fuelled my desire to get out of the nine to five I was in. I wanted to help him and not just him but others that don’t have the support that he has,” she says.

Born and raised in American Samoa, Filomena, who has been living in Auckland for a few years, says she’s got an awesome support network at home. “My mum has been a registered nurse for 30 years. That’s helped.”

Josephine Sasa (third from left), ākonga and the Pacific support network

At the conclusion of the event, Head of Nursing School, Associate Professor Deb Rowe led a standing ovation for Ms Sasa, telling ākonga to surround themselves with their MIT whānau.

“We are with you for the hard times, and we will celebrate with you in the good times. Ka pai? You’ve picked a fantastic career. With nursing you can travel anywhere and do anything. Reach for those stars,” Deb says.

In addition to the Bachelor of Nursing degree, MIT has a Bachelor of Nursing Pacific and Bachelor of Nursing Māori degrees. Nursing ākonga do clinical placements and get hands-on experience within the modern learning suite at MIT’s Manukau Campus.