Kinross, Dr Professor Nancy

Jocelyn Peach
Aug 25, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jan 6

CBE, Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, PhD

Nancy Kinross was born October 30, 1926. She was initially accepted into the second year of medical training in 1946 but she decided to transfer to the nursing programme at Christchurch School of Nursing as she preferred learning that allowed for innovation and lateral thinking. She graduated “top of dominion” in national nursing exams and was awarded the Nightingale Medal for her year.

In 1953 Nancy Kinross commenced university education to study English, education and philosophy to focus on strengthening her theory and practice knowledge. In 1959, she graduated from Canterbury University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in the early 1960s she received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the University of California, San Francisco. She graduated with a Master of Science.

On her return to New Zealand Miss Kinross worked as supervising matron at Southland Hospital with responsibility for one base hospital and 17 small rural hospitals and a district nursing service including Stewart Island.

In 1963, Miss Kinross and three others wrote the curriculum for the Postgraduate School of Nursing in Wellington, in 10 short days. In 1967, was appointed Assistant Director, Division of Nursing in the Department of Health. She remained in position until 1973.

In 1974 Dr Kinross with Norma Chick introduced the first courses in nursing at Massey University in Palmerston North. The programme focussed on nursing theories, research and innovative practice leading to the possibility of becoming nurse practitioners. The intent of university education sought to achieve lasting change, encouraging effective nursing practice focusing on clients, family and whānau. During this time nursing education was transferred from hospital boards to education institutions. She was active on the New Zealand Nurses' Association executive and other national committees. She Completed a PhD from Massey University.

In 1985, Dr Professor Kinross was appointed the inaugural Professor of Nursing at Massey, becoming the second woman to be acknowledged as a Chair [professor] at that institution. In 1987, she moved to the Department of Management Systems at Massey to teach the diploma in health administration, where many health professionals and managers benefited from her skilled and erudite teaching. Her influence extended far beyond academia, influential in nursing, education, research and health care. When she retired from Massey in 1991, Nan was conferred with the title of Professor Emerita.

Dr Professor Kinross retired in 1991, she continued a life of public service, providing advocacy and support for people and communities. In 1992, she set up the MASH Trust [as board member, chair and patron] in Palmerston North initially with two staff. This service provides Mana Whaikaha support services to disabled people living in the lower North Island. The service now employs more than 500, providing services for 1700 people. Recognition came in the form of a CBE and various community awards. She also chaired the Ethics Committee of the Health Research Council, worked to develop national policies for women's health. She was a Censor and Fellow of the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) from its inception in 1992 to 2021.

Awards:

In 1993 Dr Professor Kinross was awarded a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to nursing and nursing education.
In June 2005 Nan received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at MidCentral Health's first Primary Health Awards, recognising 53 years of service in the health system.
In 2018, Nan was awarded a Civic Honours award for her services to the community.
Professor Dr Nan Kinross is acknowledged for forging the foundations of the nursing education for decades of community service, for her contribution to nursing and to community health. She was a disruptor, passionate about life-long learning, a direct communicator, courageous and determined, involved and resilient. She acknowledged the support for nursing aspirations from government administrators and academic colleagues.

Dr Professor Kinross died in Palmerston North, May 17, 2021.