Two nominated Nurse Educators from Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) School of Nursing (SoN) were recognised for their excellence in Nursing research and education at the Nursing Excellence Awards held on Tuesday, May 13, by Health NZ at Southland Hospital.
The awards were attended by Karyn Madden, Academic Lead, Nursing and Postgraduate Programme Manager, and Programme Managers, Fiona Soper and Malinda Hill, as well as the nominees, Nurse Educator, Aica Rivero, who received the award for Nursing excellence in research, and Nurse Educator, Stacey Porter, who received the award for Nursing excellence in teaching.
Mrs Madden said Ms Rivero is a highly respected academic and senior nurse researcher, who has made outstanding contributions to advancing nursing knowledge and improving health outcomes through her research.
A prolific researcher, Ms Rivero has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and secured research funding; her research work spans across multiple areas of speciality, including student experiences of assessment, escape rooms, mobile health technologies and gamification. “Aica is a recognised leader in the field of research, and her findings have directly influenced clinical practice and policy,” Mrs Madden said.
Ms Rivero recently presented her research internationally at the SPARKS conference - Synergizing Partnerships in Advancing Research, Knowledge and Service in Manila – The Philippines in October 2024.
Mrs Madden acknowledged Ms Rivero was a dedicated mentor and role model for emerging researchers and academic staff within SoN, who actively fosters a culture of inquiry and collaboration, providing guidance on research design, ethics, and publications.
“Aica’s commitment to building research capacity within the School of Nursing is evident in the many staff she is currently supporting. Through her leadership, Aica has helped integrate evidence-based practice into nursing education and care delivery; she is the embodiment of this award,” Mrs Madden stated.
Describing her journey from clinical nursing to education and research as rewarding and challenging, Ms Rivero said “It also reflects the collective efforts of those who have mentored, collaborated, and walked alongside me… As an internationally qualified nurse (IQN), the recognition is profoundly meaningful for me.”
Ms Rivero said the award was a reminder that research is not separate from bedside nursing and nursing education, “rather, it shapes it. I hope it inspires other nurses, especially my fellow IQNs, to see research not as something distant or difficult or unreachable, but as a vital part of our identity and responsibilities as nurses.”
Stacey Porter was recognised for her high standards in teaching with the award for Excellence in Nursing Education and Mentorship. “It’s an incredible honour and thrill to receive recognition and this award from peers and the health sector,” she said. Describing herself as “deeply passionate” about this field, Ms Porter said it motivated her to continuously strive to grow, innovate, and inspire through creative approaches.
“The most rewarding part is seeing students graduate and enter the profession —eventually becoming peers themselves. To be acknowledged by others in the industry reinforces the impact of this work and motivates me to keep progressing,” Ms Porter said.
Mrs Madden stated that Ms Porter consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student learning, professional growth, and the advancement of nursing education. “Stacey’s highly engaging teaching approach uses creativity and innovation to prepare students for the complex demands of modern healthcare.”
“Stacey … inspires students to not only excel academically, but to become compassionate, reflective, and forward-thinking practitioners.” Beyond the classroom, Ms Porter exhibited the same enthusiasm by cultivating a supportive, inclusive environment where students feel empowered and engaged.
“Through Stacey’s leadership, she has made a profound and lasting impact on the development of the nursing workforce, and SIT SoN are honoured and proud to have Stacey as part of our team.”
Mrs Madden added it was a privilege to attend the awards and see her colleagues receive recognition, as well as numerous SIT SoN graduates achieving accolades for excellence. “It was wonderful to see many of our past students being nominated and receiving awards also – it’s a tribute to the whole team at SIT.”