High fashion to health care

From aspiring fashion designer and artist to registered nurse – Kelly Dizon is still surprised at having found his calling in the health sector.

Kelly, who graduates on February 14 with a Bachelor of Nursing, admits; “If you’d told me three years ago that I would be a nurse, I’d be like ‘what are you talking about? What do you mean? I’m going to be a fashion designer!’”

The Filipino national arrived here in 2021, aged 18, from Manila to stay with his dad and step mum in New Plymouth. He was planning to apply to study fashion in Auckland or Wellington, and on arrival got work in a local rest home helping the recreation advisor organise activities for residents. In hindsight, it was his first step in a new and unexpected direction.

It proved to be a good introduction to the health care scene. The job helped him adjust to a new language and culture. And it got him thinking ‘what more can I offer these people [rest home residents] and how can I make their day better?’

When the pandemic hit, leaving town to study fashion was no longer an option. His decision to enrol to study nursing in the three-year bachelor programme at WITT felt like a dramatic pivot from his previous plans, he admits.

Switching from fashion to health care (both involve needles and stitches!) was challenging at first as he struggled with new knowledge and medical jargon. “But it was a struggle I enjoyed because I wasn’t alone in the journey.”

He began to truly enjoy nursing by the second year. Kelly recalls his first hospital placement in ICU (Intensive Care Unit). It was a turning point.

“I was overwhelmed for the first few days - then it started to get better when I encountered a patient who was quite supportive that I was a student. That’s when I realised, I can actually help people. Even though I might feel nervous sometimes I can still compose myself and provide support and care,” says the bubbly, chatty Kelly who insists he is essentially a shy person.

The three-week experience in ICU sparked his interest in acute care. He learned to manage his shyness as he gained confidence and a new perspective through communicating with patients and their whānau.

“One of the things people don’t realise is that even though you’re a nursing student you’re taking care of someone else’s loved one. It’s a huge responsibility when you think of it that way. When you recognise this, your perspective shifts from being a student who is only doing tasks to being part of a team that looks after this person. You stop thinking about yourself and instead you’re thinking about what this person needs.”

Peer and tutor learning support vital

“I wouldn’t be here and able to finish this degree without the help and support of the people around me,” Kelly says. “It takes a village – or a whole hospital! – to raise a nursing student. You need a lot of support because it’s not just about studying, it's about your mental and emotional health.

“As a student you’re going to have challenging experiences. You’re going to witness people passing away, you’re going to see people experiencing the hardest parts of their lives, so you really must have a good support system. I’m thankful for my friends and classmates. The whole class, including the lecturers – we all support each other.  We cry and laugh together.”

When he’s not on a ward caring for the sick and injured, Kelly pursues his passion for fashion and art. He loves to draw, paint and sew in his spare time and recently made a garment inspired by Vivienne Westwood.  He’s a fan of the innovative British fashion designer (1942-2022).

“I use art to express myself and de-tangle myself. It makes my life more interesting. It’s my fuel,” says Kelly.

An avid artist, he’s made his mark at WITT with one of his paintings (below) displayed permanently in the library | Te Whare Mātauranga.

ED enthusiast

Kelly found his calling as a nurse during his last placement (nine weeks) in ED (Emergency Department).

What did he like about treating seriously injured people or those with life-threatening conditions?  “You’re thinking on your feet. I really learned a lot.”

He is mindful that patients don’t want to be in hospital and that “you’re seeing them at their worst. You must find the right balance – sometimes you might need to hold their hands.”

“One of the things I enjoy about nursing is that you use communication to build therapeutic relationships and connect with patients – it’s one of our greatest skills.”

“I enjoy all of it. Regardless of what I’ve seen, severe injuries or whatever, it’s helped me to learn and become a better nurse. Everything is an opportunity and stepping stone to being a better nurse.”

Nicola Conley, Operations Lead Executive, says WITT is extremely proud of all its graduates.

“We’re confident our teaching and support staff have done a terrific job in preparing graduates like Kelly for their next steps – whether it be further education or stepping into the workforce. We hope they graduate with an appetite for lifelong learning, and continue to flourish, learn and contribute to their community.”