A nursing graduate record has been achieved by Toi Ohomai, with a majority of last year's graduate moving straight into work from study.

Around 88 per cent of Bachelor of Nursing graduates for 2017 have been employed as Registered Nurses within just four weeks of receiving their state final results, with only 11 per cent still looking for work.

Clinical placement manager Adam Proverbs says the achievement comes down to a range of factors.

'We are really proud of these figures. It's great to see students finding work straight after study.

'We put a lot into ensuring students are as work-ready as possible, including training them with theoretical skills and by the clinical placements they experience in their three years of study too.

'The support they are provided during these placements is very intensive and we often find both skills complement each other, for example critical thinking skills which students learn in their theory can also be applied in clinical situations.

'Students are coming out with critical thinking skills and the ability to think and analyse different situations in their interactions in the workplace.

'It's a different approach to teaching and one which not only helps students' skills but also directly benefits patients.”

Adriana Palmer is one of many students who graduated in November, and will now settle into work.

She says the smooth transition was fostered by good preparation on Toi Ohomai's behalf.

'I was equipped well with what I needed to know,” she says.

'What they teach you in school is quite different to what is out in the world but it is valuable in that a lot of the theory you learn can be applied in practice.

'The nursing degree has given us the tools and education to get our ticket to be able to go into the workforce and gain employment.

'In terms of employability, considering there's been a merger between Waiariki and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, and consequently changes to the curriculum, they have done a good job at ensuring we are still employable.”

She says she starts work in March.

'There's a huge difference between finishing study and going into work, but I'm feeling better prepared now that I've completed studying. I have time to reflect on what I've learned and I know what I'm in for.”

Adriana says one of the biggest benefits of her career is being able to directly benefit the community she grew up in.

'There are a lot of opportunities in nursing. For me personally it's a career that can help me to support the health of our communities and I've realized in my studies improving Maori health, is also really important.”

She says she's proud to be a graduate nurse, and especially a Maori graduate nurse.

'I think nursing provides a caring aspect that goes beyond what other health professionals are able to offer.

'It's unique in how we spend a lot more time with patients and our roles are so diverse that we can go anywhere we are needed.”

Adriana will now head into work at Tauranga Hospital.