Emma Kenyon
Registered Anaesthetic Technician, Health New Zealand Waitematā
Bachelor of Health Science in Perioperative Practice
As an anaesthetic technician you feel like you’re doing something that really matters and can make a positive difference to people’s lives, says Emma Kenyon who now works at Health New Zealand Waitematā.
“I’m working alongside anaesthetists and a wider multidisciplinary team to look after patients before, during and after anaesthesia. We look after and set up equipment, supply medications, and anticipate what may be required for the patient based on their specific presentations, histories and procedures. We also have to be able to identify and manage emergencies.
“No day, and no case, is ever completely the same. In anaesthesia, we’re exposed to all patient demographics, are required for all specialties and are therefore able to collaborate with a wide range of different teams and get involved with all sorts of different cases. Personally, as an extroverted introvert, I love the collaboration and connection within the teams I work with as well as with the patients while also having time to recharge the social battery and focus on what clinically needs to be done to look after our patient, knowing that the rest of the team is doing the same.”
Feeling well prepared
Her studies prepared her well for the career she has now, says Emma who studied a Bachelor of Health Science in Perioperative Practice.
“AUT helped me develop my confidence and communication massively. The opportunity to go on clinical placements right from the get-go and experience different hospitals helped me develop my critical thinking skills and knowledge without even realising it most of the time. As the years of the degree went on, I found that not only was I proving my ever-growing competence to the people I was working with, but also to myself.”
The people she met throughout her studies were a highlight for her.
“The programme consisted of multiple tutorials and assessments that required me to engage and collaborate with the people around me. This, alongside all the clinical placement opportunities, really enabled me to come out of my shell and engage with others, and it prepared me well for the highly collaborative environment I work in now.
“I found the lecturers I’d bump into on clinical placements particularly helpful. They were not only nurturing educators but also gave me confidence in their knowledge as they were still working clinically. It was nice to see them in action.”
Advice for other students
Emma, who graduated from AUT in 2024, has some great advice for other students.
“AUT provides a great opportunity to learn clinical skills out where the jobs actually are, with the people you’ll be working with. Take advantage of it, get involved, show interest and let people know what you don’t yet understand, so that you can find out.”
Engage with the people you’re studying with, she adds.
“Learn from your teachers, teach each other, and then get the experts to confirm and consolidate what you know. Teaching is such a good way to learn, and it also builds your confidence in collaborating with others.
