In memory: Anna Smith

Anna Smith

Anna Smith.  RN, BN, MN, PGDip, Tert.Tchg

It is with sadness Unitec says goodbye to one of our respected and loved Bachelor of Nursing lecturers who died last week.

Anna’s team in nursing wrote the following tribute…

Anna began her career in nursing education at Unitec in the Department of Nursing on 15 April 2002 and left Unitec on 4 September 2020.

During that time Anna’s role was Bachelor of Nursing Lecturer 0.6 combined with Pacific Support Lecturer (0.4). Anna took her responsibility to all students very professionally and was always determined to do her utmost to ensure she was offering the best learning opportunities for students. Anna’s commitment to Pacific students saw her spend days in the library supporting learning and offering pastoral support where needed.

Anna’s teaching was initially in the BN in Community nursing (her favourite) and then transitioned to other areas and programmes including Foundation Studies, Health Care Assistants, the Diploma in Enrolled nursing and in the Bachelor of Nursing programmes. In recent years Anna taught primarily in year one, one of the most important years of a Bachelor of Nursing programme,  planting seeds for professional practice and foundational principles ready for future growth and studies to be an RN.

Anna spent a lot of time at the Simulation lab with the year one students where she would get to know students by name and from there on, keep an eye on them. Anna was firm about wearing the Unitec uniform with pride, being respectful and students giving their all to know what to do, how to do it and most importantly why they are doing it. This being the ultimate goal of a competent, professional, caring and “safe” registered nurse.  Only a month ago Anna noted with pride, satisfaction and a huge smile that during her treatments across the 3 DHBS she was cared for by some amazing Unitec RN graduates and was visited by many more.

As a colleague Anna was hardworking, honest, reliable, loyal, firm, determined and best of all a caring person who reached out to others. She gave the best hugs and could pick it when anyone needed one most. Her generosity and giving nature will be remembered by all who knew her.