Meet Therese Vafaeezadeh, FNP

Specialty:  Family nurse practitioner/developmental disabilities
Now living in: Kirkland
How long on the board: New member of the transitional board, Fall, 2006.

Current work place and position: I work in the Neurodevelopmental Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. I see patients that range from a few weeks to 22 years of age. In my role I provide diagnostic work-ups for children with unknown disabilities and also make recommendations to primary care providers for ongoing care of children with a variety of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, and genetic disorders. I also assist families who are leaving the pediatric health care system in finding adult health care providers for their son or daughter with a disability.

Brief work history: I graduated with my BSN in 1980, worked one year in adult med-surg, then by chance ended up in the infant intensive care unit. I spent the next 18 years in infant intensive care and pediatric intensive care. During these years I also started and ran a nursing agency and sold the business to a local hospital. I left the ICU to work in the Neurodevelopmental Clinic and was there about 4 years when I made the decision to go back to school to become an NP. After graduation I was hired into my current position.

Why you chose your specialty: Our oldest child is now 24. She was born with a severe disability that has yet to be diagnosed. As we were preparing to leave the pediatric health care system, I was dismayed at the lack of adult providers who were knowledgeable in caring for people with disabilities. As an NP, I am able to use my personal and professional experience to provide care for people with disabilities and their families.

Why you volunteered for the BOD: While in school we were taught about all those before us who have fought so hard to get NPs to where there they are today. I think it is important to continue to have an active group who is focused on the role of the NP in the health care world. This was my chance to help re-energize this group.

What you care most about regarding NP’s: That NP’s continue to provide superior health care with the “nursing” edge.

Your hopes for AUWS: To build a larger membership base. A stronger membership means a stronger voice.