A new nurse has joined Taranaki Te Whatu Ora aged residential care facilities bringing with her more than 10 years’ experience in the sector. Maria Escarlan came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2010, armed with a degree in nursing from the Philippines. After a few years, she began studying at the University of Otago, where she completed a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in nursing. Since December, Escarlan has provided external clinical support to 26 aged residential care facilities across the region. At the end of 2022, she gained a nurse practitioner registration and immediately transitioned to a new role working for the Taranaki District Health Board. Escarlan said providing nursing and health care to the elderly gave her satisfaction.
