What is a Nurse Practioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained healthcare provider with a master's or doctoral degree in nursing who offers a range of services, such as patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. NPs can prescribe medications, provide education on health management and disease prevention, and often focus on specialties like pediatrics, geriatrics, family practice, or mental health. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and often act as primary care providers in settings like hospitals and clinics.
Meet Geraldine
With a career spanning over four decades, I have dedicated my life to providing compassionate specialised healthcare for individuals with learning/intellectual disabilities. My journey began in 1983 when I commenced my student nurse training in this field. Since then, I have continued to expand my expertise, completing a Masters of Nursing 2011 and further advancing my practice through the Nurse Practitioner Training Programme in 2019.
Since moving to New Zealand from England with my family in 2002, I have had the privilege of being involved with the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and Special Olympics New Zealand. These experiences have deeply enriched both my personal and professional understanding of the strengths, challenges, and diverse needs of individuals with Down syndrome. They have reinforced my commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and holistic care, ensuring that my practice is informed not only by clinical expertise but also real-life experiences and community connections.
I am passionate about delivering holistic, person-centred care that supports the unique needs of adults with Down syndrome. My approach integrates assessment, diagnosis, and lifelong healthcare management including prescribing, with a strong emphasis on advocacy, education, and collaborative partnerships with families/whanau and support networks.
Committed to advancing best practices, I strive to empower individuals to live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. I believe in not just treating conditions but also enhancing overall well-being and inclusion through tailored care, education, and support.
I welcome the opportunity to work alongside individuals, family whanau, and professionals to create a healthcare experience that truly makes a difference.