Losing her husband to cancer has given Robyn Wickham a special reason to put her heart and soul into her job, starting this week under a Ministry of Health initiative.
"My husband Garry died from cancer four years ago and I would love to be able to give back a little of the care and support we received," she said.
Mrs Wickham will work at Bethlehem's Ngati Kahu Hauora as one of five Bay of Plenty nurses offered one-year scholarships.
The mother of four worked in administration and accounts before beginning a three-year Bachelor of Nursing course at Waiariki Polytechnic.
The nurse placements were secured by the Bay of Plenty District Health Board and will support general practices serving the most vulnerable communities.