Nurse News!

Crystal is a registered nurse, originally from Taiwan but has been in New Zealand since 2001. 

She moved to Milton in  2004 after starting her nursing training in Christchurch and finishing her training at Otago Polytechnic in 2007. She worked in the Hospital for two years, and since then has been working as a casual in rest homes due to family pressures, which are what brought her to the Hospice.

"My husband's parents were ill with cancer, and I had to be casual as we were going backwards and forward looking after our elderly in their home in Christchurch. My husband's father really was at hospital care level, but in our culture it is very important for us to care for family. It is because of this experience that I felt I could look after those needing palliative care, and I have a very good appreciation of the importance of enabling people to be in their homes." 

Two days in Crystal was enjoying her role.

"I've got a lot to learn, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. And this first week has been the most warm welcome I've ever had. It made me feel very special."