Stories

Inspiring other Cook Island nurses

 

Dr Neti Tamarua Herman

Kia orana from Auckland, where I am a researcher and registered nurse. My name is Neti Tamarua Herman and I am the first Cook Islands nurse to gain a doctorate.

I have worked for more than 40 years in health care in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and the Cook Islands, including five years as senior tutor and six years as principal for the Cook Islands School of Nursing.

I began my PhD in 2008, in part to motivate and inspire other Cook Islands nurses and women to pursue doctorate studies.

My thesis involves developing a health promotion model called Pu Ara to improve the health and well-being of young people in Vaka Takitumu, a district of Rarotonga.

Although most Cook Islands young people lead positive lives, some become involved in risky behaviours, including substance abuse, especially alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes and violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, obesity, truancy and criminal activities.

To develop Pu Ara I carried out a community assessment in Vaka Takitumu, involving focus groups with young people, key stakeholders and informants. My findings have highlighted the urgent need for parents and families, communities and non-government organisations, and government leaders to listen to young people’s voices. 

Implementing the model requires a collaborative effort by everyone in the community, including young people. We are all responsible and accountable for making sure our young people’s health, well-being and potential are realised.

This article first appeared in Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand March 2014, appears abridged.

4 comments on article "Inspiring other Cook Island nurses"

ramona

5/10/2015 7:07 p.m.

Neti, hello, I salute you for your inspiration and tenacity, Your voice for young people and their communities in Rarotonga is truly wonderful. Perhaps we can hear your Pu Ara model at the next NZNO conference?!!


Carolyn Hill

20/04/2016 2:28 p.m.

Kia orana Neti, I am a masters student at Auckland University and I would like to talk to you about your research methodology which I have found most helpful. If you receive this and would be kind enough to get in touch I would be most grateful.

- Carolyn Hill


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