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Congratulations Mel Ratapu!
From swimming in the lagoon in Tokomaru Bay as a child, to a busy young māmā of 4 who is currently on maternity leave with her new bubba Tegan, Nurse Mel Ratapu has just gained RCNHP Status.
When she's not working, you will find her cheering for her tamariki at their local and regional sporting and educational events.
We got to catch up with Mel for coffee and a chat about her passion for nursing on the East Coast.
Ko Marotiri te maunga
Ko Mangahauini te awa
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Te Whanau a Ruataupare te hapu
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi
Tell us how it all began?
I grew up in paradise, in Tokomaru Bay with my 2 big sisters and my dad. I started off my education at Hatea-a-rangi school and moved to Tolaga Bay Area School for High School. I didn’t actually finish school! I finished after I achieved NCEA Level 2. Then in what would’ve been my last year at school I decided to study Nursing. So, I went into a 6 month bridging course and then straight in to my Bachelors Degree instead of Year 13. It ended up working out better! Following my Bachelor in Nursing I also completed a post grad Certificate in New Entry to Practice.
Where did you start working?
I started in the surgical ward at Gisborne Hospital and was there for 6 years. Whilst in that ward I got to work in other wards too so I got a feel for other areas in the hospital. Following that, and as I was living in Tolaga Bay, I decided to start working at the Uawa Community Health Clinic and I am going into my 4th year here. Which doesn’t seem like a long time but it definitely feels like it!
What inspired you to try nursing?
I always tell people this fake story about how my sister was a medic in the Navy.. But (Laughs) It was actually a conversation between myself and my partner. When I think about it, it was probably a combination of both.
What continues to keep you in the job?
(I don’t want to toot my own horn but) Because I believe I am good at it. I am always eager to learn new things! I find it so interesting learning new procedures or medications and treatments. I don’t know what it is – I just enjoy it! I enjoyed working in the Surgical ward because it was fast! You saw patients at their very worst but also at their best. When they came in they would be in so much pain and discomfort. Then helping them through their recovery and then they’re feeling amazing. Seeing the relief from the pain and their appreciation for our help. I just love that. It really makes it all worth it.
What do you enjoy about working in a rural health setting?
You get to know the whole picture about somebody. You know their history, you know their whanau, you know them. It alters the way you treat somebody when you know their story. You can help find the best treatment possible that works for them. It’s very different to a hospital setting.
Do you have any advice for anybody thinking about a career in Nursing?
That’s a hard one. When I first started nobody told me about the hardships. For someone going into nursing I guess you have to do it because you love it. You see and hear some horrible things. But you also see and hear some amazing things. If you have a passion for caring for people, You would be good at nursing. It’s all common sense!
The other thing with nursing is that it’s not just a “you get your degree and that’s it” type of job. You are constantly training and keeping up to date with different treatments and medications. You’re always learning.
Do you have a favourite saying?
No. But there are things you never say..
Like what?
The Q word. (Whispers) “Quiet.” You can jinx yourself. You can guarantee once you say it someone will call or something will happen!
Is there anyone on your journey that you would like to acknowledge?
Dr Helen Gardyne. She has been around the coast for a long time. Her knowledge is endless! She is old school and they don’t make people like her anymore. I chose her as my mentor for my RNCPH. You know on the coast we don’t have the resources like the cities. Dr Helen is very resourceful in her treatment methods and I respect and appreciate her guidance over the years.
Tell us about the RNCPH?
The reason I did the nurse Prescribers, for me it’s a stepping stone. A stepping stone on my way to my main goal which is to be a Nurse Practitioner. A nurse practitioner is a step down from a Doctor. I will be able to prescribe most meds and perform most procedures which will be really beneficial for our community.
We don’t have any on the coast. So that is my goal. I was hoping to start soon but we got a little surprise with our bundle Tegan so I will wait until all my Tamariki are abit older then I can focus on it. We will get there!
