Tracey Daysh-Andrew
From the beginning of Tracey Daysh-Andrew's tertiary study, she aspired to be a nurse, and to date this passion has never waned.
Graduating in 1990 with a Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing, Tracey's interest in rehabilitation grew after and 18-month graduate programme in Port Kembla Public Hospital in Australia where she worked in rehabilitation settings. “I particularly enjoyed working as part of a multi-disciplinary team working with stroke survivors to enable them to return to independent living,” Tracey says.
Tracey now works in a Nurse Education and Advisory role where part of her responsibility is to promote employment as part of a person's rehabilitation plan.
Her study at the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit (RTRU) at the University of Otago, Wellington has been beneficial in her role. “Through the study I have improved my knowledge across a variety of health interfaces.
“All the papers I have chosen for my study have a strong operational relevance,” she adds.
“My study in the area of rehabilitation has helped me educate and advise the staff I support in understanding where employment participation fits it,” Tracey says.
Tracey is currently studying for her Masters qualification having already graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation, gaining top awards for each qualification. Though she does admit that at times it has been a challenge, especially when she had to spend extended periods of time at Starship Children's Hospital at the bedside of her very sick daughter.
However, the support from the tireless RTRU staff who also understand about juggling family and job commitments has meant that in some way her study has been an outlet during stressful times.
“The RTRU is a fabulous community of both academics and students. Your study is well supported and is an achievable goal for students who want to extend their knowledge in a specific area,” Tracey concludes.