Young Nurse of the Year goes to AUT lecturer
AUT nursing lecturer Dr Jed Montayre has been named Young Nurse of the Year by the New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO).
The award recognises outstanding practice, contribution to nursing and entrepreneurship in young nurses.
Dr Montayre said he was humbled but extremely happy to win Young Nurse of the Year. “I believe that every nurse deserves an award, but I am extremely honoured to receive a national nomination,” he says.
A self-described social gerontologist, Dr Montayre researches the effects of aging on society, in particular among older migrants.
As an internationally qualified nurse, Dr Montayre moved from the Philippines to Invercargill in 2011. After doing a stint in a medical ward and teaching at Southern Institute of Technology, he moved to Auckland to teach at AUT.
“I’m a teacher at heart, teaching has always been my passion,” he says.
“As an academic, I have a stake in the next generation of nurses, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to them through my work.”
Head of AUT’s nursing department Associate Professor Stephen Neville says Dr Montayre is a worthy recipient of the award. “We are extremely proud of Dr Montayre’s achievement. He is a committed academic who has fully embraced his role as a lecturer in Nursing at AUT and his youthful enthusiasm is infectious and inspirational.” he says.
Associate Professor Neville notes that Dr Montayre’s award has positively impacted on the reputation of nursing at AUT.
“Dr Montayre’s research interest in the social aspects of ageing inspires our undergraduate and postgraduate students to consider working with older people either as clinicians or as researchers.”
Dr Montayre says the award is also a nod to the value that internationally qualified nurses can add to New Zealand.
“There is a real and immediate need for experienced nurses in the workforce, and internationally qualified nurses are one way we can fill the gap.”
Dr Montayre shares the award with another Tokoroa nurse Rosita Richards.
NZNO president Grant Brookes says, “The calibre of this year's winners proves the future of nursing is in good hands. They are outstanding role models, passionate about their profession and committed to improving the health of New Zealanders.”