On the picturesque Pacific Island of Nauru, a remarkable story is unfolding at the Republic of Nauru (RON) Hospital, the nation’s only hospital. Cherish Duburiya, a dedicated nurse, midwife and healthcare educator, is transforming healthcare education and practice in the small island nation of approximately 12,500 people.
Cherish’s story begins in Nauru, where she was born and raised. She studied a Diploma in Nursing from Fiji, which paved the way for a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, and later, a Diploma in Midwifery, laying a solid foundation for her career.
Cherish's career trajectory towards leadership and education had been somewhat accidental. Initially taking on the role of Unit Manager temporarily, she discovered her innate ability to guide and inspire her colleagues. Reflecting on the experience, she says, "I felt like I was given ‘the key’ to a new world of possibilities. It was a collaborative effort though, I didn't act alone.” This period marked a transition in her career, revealing her passion for health education.
On the maternity wards, Cherish encountered challenges commonly experienced by new mothers including a lack of antenatal and postnatal education. She recognised the pressing need for continuity of care and education to support expectant mothers and their newborns. “There was a real need for us to always be ready to share stories and experiences, coaching the mothers on their health as well as on the health of their unborn children and their families,” she explains. To address these challenges, Cherish led the development of educational initiatives like in-house orientation for expectant mothers and breastfeeding education videos in Nauruan dialect. “It was a fun project for my nursing colleagues and me where we learnt how to make and edit videos from scratch,” she said. The resources were vital for providing mothers with essential health information and effective breastfeeding techniques, boosting their confidence in caring for their newborns.
The COVID-19 pandemic steered Cherish's career in a new direction. While completing a Diploma in Health Science and welcoming her first son in New Zealand, Nauru like the rest of the world was navigating the pandemic. When she and her family finally returned home post-lockdown, Cherish worked on various nursing projects including reviewing Nauru’s nursing scope of practice. Her role evolved from direct patient care to a broader educational role within the Ministry of Health. She became actively involved in Nauru’s COVID-19 preparation and response efforts, participating in a virtual training program offered by the Pacific Community (SPC). It was during this program that Cherish connected with the National Critical Care Trauma and Response Centre (NCCTRC) for the first time. The training program was a collaboration between NCCTRC’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-funded Regional Engagement Program (REP) and SPC’s Public Health Division and Clinical Services Program, expanding her expertise in critical clinical care. "Working on COVID-19 training with SPC and NCCTRC in 2021, especially during a time when there was still a real fear of illness in the nation, provided me with invaluable experience and insights,” she shares. “I didn't fully appreciate it until I transitioned into my role as a health educator."
Cherish's transition into the Ministry of Health's Training Unit as a healthcare educator was a natural progression, drawing on her extensive experience and early exposure to the complexities of healthcare education. She attributes part of her career success to the mentoring she received from NCCTRC, both face-to-face and online, such as through REP’s monthly webinar series, NurseTOK. The webinar provides a platform for healthcare workers across the Pacific to share experiences and engage in clinical discussions relevant to the region. "The mentoring I received through colleagues at the NCCTRC played a major role in my learning experience as an educator," she reflects.
Last year, the tables turned when Cherish collaborated with Vae Keppa, Acting Chief Matron and Acting Director of Nursing Policy and Standard at the RON Hospital, to deliver a NurseTOK webinar on Nauru’s preparation and response to discovery of the 227kg World War II-era unexploded ordnance (UXO) bomb in July 2023.
Central to Cherish's story is her unwavering faith, "I cannot deny the growth in my profession, with my faith being a major factor," she admits. Her belief that God has a plan for her life has served as a guiding force, providing her with the resilience needed to overcome challenges and adapt to new roles.
Recently appointed as a Training Manager at the Ministry of Health in Nauru, Cherish is not just facilitating staff training but also nurturing the future of healthcare education in her home country. She aspires to establish healthcare education as a rewarding career path in Nauru, encouraging seasoned staff to embrace roles as educators and mentors. "I see training as ‘the glue’ that holds information and practices together," she explains.
Cherish’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, faith and education in transforming healthcare on the small island of Nauru. Her story, from her roots in Nauru to her educational pursuits abroad embodies a commitment to improving healthcare through education and mentorship. Amid challenges and transitions, including the global upheaval brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cherish's unwavering resolve and innovative approach have significantly impacted Nauru's healthcare landscape. Her efforts to develop educational resources, lead training programs, and foster a culture of continuous learning among healthcare professionals are paving the way for a future where healthcare education is not only a necessity but a cherished vocation. As Cherish continues to inspire and lead by example, her vision for a resilient and educated healthcare community in Nauru is growing to develop a health system that is better prepared for any challenges they may face.
Carla Yeung
Communications and Digital Engagement Officer