Nursing Students at NMIT Marlborough’s Clinical Practice Unit now have improved set-ups for practical assessment, thanks to a thoughtful donation of equipment from Churchill Hospital.
Replacement of equipment at the private hospital is important for health and safety and for maintaining accuracy and modern standards.
To prevent waste and to give back, the decision was made by Clinical Nurse Helen Foley to offer the equipment to support new nurses’ learning.
NMIT initially blended the Full Time 3 year Bachelor of Nursing programme across both Nelson and Marlborough campuses. Now with the delivery of the programme being offered at both campuses, students based in Marlborough can complete all classes, practical learning activities, and assessments without constant commute.
Marlborough’s first cohort of 7 nurses graduated in Blenheim on December 9, all with employment opportunities secured locally. That number rises to 20 next year as the programme continues to expand.
The Clinical Practice Unit has two dedicated spaces for ‘labs’, where students receive practical training and assessment. These are set up to offer a 2 bed ward environment and a community or clinical space. Improvements to the equipment available in these spaces are ongoing as student numbers increase.
Team lead and Academic Support Member, Nurse Karen Blair says Churchill’s donation has been gratefully received. “Having high-quality equipment for students to practice on, and to relate to during clinical placements is essential for their learning success” she says.
Items donated to the programme include – A toilet chair, mobile observations machine and over-bed table.
“We’ve been able to use the equipment during our end-of-year hands-on assessments, and it has made a real difference.”
Since their establishment, Churchill has been motivated to support the learning outcomes of the next generation of health care professionals. Often providing grants for study, delivering education directly through talks and offering placement for students in the final phase of their tertiary journey.
Churchill have also been able to support the nursing programme through sponsorship of a 2025 first year student and will also be welcoming one of this year’s graduates to the team soon as a newly registered nurse.
“The exciting thing is to see one of our grads continue on to Churchill” Karen says
“It’s not just about money, it’s about taking an interest in them and their future as nurses, which is a great support”.
New General Manager, Belinda Watkins, looks forward to more opportunities to work alongside/assist NMIT in future. “The practical support Churchill gives to new nurses supports their journey into clinical practice in the Marlborough community we are very proud to be a part of this programme and will continue to be part of it ‘”
