From Ice Rink to Hospital Ward: Alex’s Journey of Passion & Support

Meet Alex, a passionate ward nurse at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital who is also representing New Zealand in the Ice Fernz upcoming 2024 Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship in Turkey in April.

In 2022, following a brief study placement at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital, Alex was determined to work with Southern Cross once she graduated. Only one and a half years later, Alex is not only competing on the ice but is also paying it forward and training as a preceptor to support other graduates.

This is the fifth year Alex has represented New Zealand as a member of the Ice Fernz, however this year marks her debut in a defence position, adding another layer of excitement to her already illustrious career on the ice which began 13 years ago.

Alex’s twin sister also serves as the Ice Fernz goalie and shares her commitment for caring for others. Outside of hockey, her sister pursues a career as an occupational therapist at Auckland Hospital’s child and family unit.

Alex finds striking parallels between her hockey family and her colleagues at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital. Both groups share a common thread of warmth, passion, and unwavering support. This sense of camaraderie is what drives Alex, both on and off the ice.

As a ward nurse at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital, Alex finds fulfilment in providing physical and emotional support to her patients. Her passion for orthopaedics shines through as she aids patients in their recovery journeys.

In late 2022, Alex was studying nursing at AUT and was placed at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital to complete her pre-register study. Due to the exceptional support and warmth she received in this short period of time, Alex specifically applied, and was accepted into the Southern Cross NETP programme as a new grad in early 2023.

Alex’s decision to pursue nursing was solidified by an injury experienced during a tournament in Iceland where she suffered a compression fracture of her femur. The nurses who cared for her ignited a newfound purpose in her through their emotional support and serving as advocates to return to New Zealand for her surgery.

Inspired by the education and inclusion Alex received at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital as a new grad, Alex now pays it forward. Just a year and a half after completing her pre-registration at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital, Alex has stepped into the role of a preceptor, guiding new graduates like herself through the intricacies of nursing. Her recent experiences as a new grad herself allows her to empathise deeply with her mentees, understanding the challenges they face.

As Alex prepares to represent her country on the international stage, she remains grounded by her commitment to her patients and her profession. Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital continues to support her endeavours, accommodating her schedule for practices and tournaments where possible.

In April, after her return to Turkey, Alex will undergo preceptor training, further cementing her dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurses. Her journey - from the ice rink to the hospital ward - is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of community support.