Committed to compassionate care

For Memory Karudze, becoming a nurse is all about providing patient-centred care.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Memory was in her early 20s when she lost her mother, and this life-changing experience later inspired her Nursing study.

“I didn’t grow up wanting to be a nurse. But looking back, I felt that my mother’s care was negligent and should have been much better. That made me want to be there for others who need help and make sure they are well looked after.”

She appreciates how the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient is a key focus in her Otago Polytechnic Nursing studies and within New Zealand healthcare settings.

“You build that trust first, and then you give care according to what the patient wants and what is best for them, rather than imposing things on them.”

Memory began her studies with our Level 3 and 4 Health Bridging programmes, after first chatting with lecturer Christine Baker about her career goals.

“Initially, I felt disappointed about needing to do Health Bridging first, but I’m so glad I took that pathway. The staff were so supportive and helped build my confidence and skills. I also received learning support from Student Success many times, and they were very helpful and easy to access.”

Memory passed all her papers with A+ and A grades, before entering the Bachelor of Nursing in 2023.

“I had only been in New Zealand about three years at that time, so I was still learning the place and the culture, and I still had some fear of being different. But the culture at OP is so inclusive. You don’t have to change who you are – the staff support you the way you are, and there are lots of pathways to achieve what you want.”

Now in her third and final year – and a recent recipient of a Doris Milne Scholarship – Memory continues to balance her studies, part-time work and being a parent. As a mature student, she’s enjoyed getting to study alongside people of different ages and backgrounds.

“We just finished a community project where everyone in my group was calling me ‘Mum’ – and I'm proud to be the mama!” she laughs. “It’s nice mixing with younger ones and older ones because you get different perspectives. And it’s a nice environment at OP because it’s not all study, study, study. There are days where there are functions in The Hub with kai, and it helps us relax and connect with each other as students.”

Academically, Memory has loved the practical components of the degree.

“That's where we're allowed to make mistakes and practice. I learn by doing, and that’s where I gain my confidence. It makes such a difference.”

She has also enjoyed the opportunity to complete a wide range of clinical placements across mental health, aged care, primary care and acute healthcare, which have helped her to develop well-rounded clinical skills and gain real-world nursing experience.

“All of my placements have been great. I’m feeling really excited to get a job, build my career and see where it takes me!”