New nurse educator a wise addition - News & Updates • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

New nurse educator a wise addition

New nurse educator a wise addition

Vivienne Maidens has joined Breast Cancer Foundation NZ as a breast nurse educator, bringing with her a wealth of international experience.

Patients who phone our hotline or have joined our on-line patient community “mybc” are already benefitting from Vivienne’s broad knowledge and deep compassion.

She’s especially interested in prevention, as well as supporting all breast cancer patients to live well. Vivienne started nursing at Auckland Hospital. She moved to London in 2000, and worked as an oncology nurse before managing a very busy oncology day unit at a district general hospital. Vivienne then took up a post as a specialist breast nurse looking after women – and some men – with breast cancer.

Later, Vivienne was an advanced nurse practitioner at the Royal Marsden, a first class breast cancer clinical practice. She gained a Master’s Degree in Oncology from Kings College and a post-graduate qualification in Breast Examination and Advanced Communication from University of Greenwich. After 17 years away, it was time for Vivienne to return home to be closer to family and grandchildren. We’re delighted that Kiwi patients now have access to her skills and wisdom. Read some of Vivienne’s advice on our blog.