Meagan Hughes

Meagan Hughes is a Diabetes Nurse Specialist and completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Science.

When Meagan Hughes was looking at her postgraduate study options it was the reputation of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice that drew her to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

She decided to enrol in a Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Science and was not long into her studies when the COVID-19 pandemic hit— meaning a rapid switch to online learning.

"Online learning was something I would have avoided doing but it was really interactive, enjoyable, and stimulating learning."

Meagan found the Nurse Prescribing pathway in the Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Science provided her with the knowledge she needed to feel comfortable with conducting a history taking and assessment, rule in or out diagnoses, and prescribe medication from within her formulary to treat patients.

Study led to more responsibility in her nursing work and advanced service to patients in Meagan's care. Now a Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Meagan loves her work.

"I get to work with people of all ages and with different types of diabetes."

Diabetes can be a difficult condition to live with and I get a lot of job satisfaction being able to help my patients understand their condition and how to manage it."

Meagan now guest lectures on the diagnostics and therapeutics of diabetes, and says that completing the Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Science was the highlight of her career so far.

"I put a lot of effort into my study and I was really proud of not only finishing but of the marks I achieved—it was very satisfying to see the hard work pay off."