Nicola has extensive experience in working with TBI patient's, starting in this field as a Ward Nurse Manager of the surgical ward in Whangarei hospital in the early 1990's. Nicola then spent 20 years working for ACC service providers in the community, across Northland, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Waikato regions, carrying out assessment and rehabilitation (including return to work programmes) to adults and children with a variety of physical injuries and traumatic brain injuries from mild/concussion to severe/residential, and moved into managerial and clinical leadership roles within the companies she worked for (Burtons Healthcare, Abano Healthcare, IPH Ltd, Proactive).

 

In 2015 Nicola worked for Healthline for 4 years, initially as an RN taking phone calls, then becoming the Head of the Health Services for the national telehealth service at Whakarongorau Aotearoa.  Nicola then moved to  Goodwood Park Healthcare, as their GM of ACC and Corrections services.  The client group consisted of persons with severe brain injury and complex mental health challenges, including addiction, requiring 24/7 staffed residential care, and clients being released from prison who need safe residential and reintegration support back into their communities and whanau.  Nicola worked closely with her staffing teams to ensure clients received quality care and support on their journeys of recovery.

 

In 2023 Nicola then moved to Active Plus, returning full circle to the clinical work she commenced in 1995 - carrying out assessments and rehabilitation in the community to ACC clients with a range of injuries, including TBI and spinal injuries.

 

Outside of work Nicola and her husband enjoy their lifestyle block animals, fishing, hunting, motorbike riding, and family now that grandchildren are arriving in their family.