Graduating with a Bachelor of Nursing, Rural Nurse Specialist Gemma Hutton worked at the Emergency Department at Dunedin Hospital, privately nursed in Wanaka and Queenstown Lakes District Hospital and then joined the Franz Josef Health centre, the largest nurse led practise in South Westland.  

“I loved the nursing programme at Otago Polytechnic, the lecturers were really supportive, the practical placements were really beneficial and it taught me great clinical and communication skills.

Gemma is based in Franz Josef where she is often on call 24 hours a day.

“Absolutely anything can land on your doorstep. One day it might be injured fishermen or a car accident but you still  have to run the regular clinics for long term conditions, mental health, public health, district nursing, ‘well child’ and sexual health. The job can be very demanding and even more so in the tourist season.”

And, after being awarded The NZNO Young Nurse of the Year, Gemma wants to become even more involved with the New Zealand Nursing Organisation. 

“I was really surprised to win the award and it’s made me want to help with encouraging young nursing graduates to stay in New Zealand.”

“I love working in rural nursing. It’s a privilege to have so much variety and it’s so rewarding.”