Loki O'Brien

“I have always wanted to work in healthcare - I want to make small differences during an important time in people’s lives. I like that nursing isn’t a small niche, you can specialise or work in a whole range of areas of nursing.”

Loki was raised in Hamilton and her family is from the small community of Kawhia on the west coast of the Waikato region. Loki considers both places her home and she hopes to use her studies and knowledge to benefit her community and to educate and advocate for vulnerable populations.

One of the biggest highlights so far for Loki has been making great connections with lecturers, students, staff, nurses and patients she is studying and working alongside.

“I feel like we have our own little nursing whanau and everyone is so passionate. I value all of the subjects we have learnt so far because they’re nursing focused – sometimes it feels less like learning as it is hands on and fun.

“Two subjects I have enjoyed the most are Applied Health Science and Nursing Practice because much of the time they tie in together - we learn about a system in science and then expand on that knowledge, understanding it more from a nursing perspective.”

Loki says the nursing degree is perfect for people with a passion for helping others and encourages those considering studying at Waikato to overcome their fears.  “It may seem scary because it’s a ‘university’, but you will have a lot of fun.  Use the times between learning to take a break and interact with other students on campus.”