Skin Centre practice nurse, Georgie Herbison, is described by her peers as both “unbelievably dedicated” and “one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.” I got the chance to find out for myself and while I can confirm the rumours, that’s just the beginning of her story.

Georgie always knew she wanted to be a nurse, practising by the age of 19. Starting out in orthopaedics and general surgery at Tauranga Public Hospital, she spent five years gaining an excellent grounding in all the complexities of in-patient care. During this time, Georgie also met her future husband, and the pair married before heading off to explore the world together. The change of scene also prompted a temporary change in vocation, with Georgie exercising her talent for problem-solving and careful attention to detail in an accountancy-based role.

Three years later, Georgie returned to New Zealand and her chosen vocation; this time as a district nurse. She also embarked on a joint venture with her husband, managing a small local cafe. Though the world of hospitality was a departure from the norm, Georgie was still doing what she does best – taking care of people. When the cafe sold, she naturally gravitated back to nursing, in a speciality well suited to her compassionate nature – palliative care. 

By 2003, Georgie had two growing boys raise, and shift work was making it tricky to do so, prompting her next transition to the Skin Centre. Almost fifteen years later, she still absolutely loves her job. Her primary rewards come from Skin Centre’s genuine culture of positivity and teamwork, but also working in an environment where the patient is everyone’s priority. Having the time to listen and educate patients is vital to Georgie’s job satisfaction; “I love to see clients walk out feeling happy about themselves, making patients feel at ease with what is happening to them. I like to ensure they have all the information – I think that’s very important.”

Georgie says it’s the diversity of her job which keeps her so content. She works in the operating theatres, alongside the appearance medicine nurses as well as the medical dermatologists. Skin Centre’s founder, Dr Paul Salmon, is well aware of Georgie’s capabilities, and as a consequence, he nominated her as nurse in charge of Skin Centre’s busy Monday laser clinic. Georgie treats patients with issues such as pigmentation, facial redness, broken capillaries and hair removal. More recently, she’s undertaken training in the use of the innovative V2 Beauty Booster, the new wonder tool for injecting dermal fillers. 

Now her two sons have grown, Georgie and her husband have begun to travel again, enriching their lives with exploration of exotic, far-flung places. When at home, Georgie says she’s much like everyone else; enjoying time with friends, walks and watching the rugby. 

Rounding up our chat, my final question to Georgie was: “Who epitomises beauty to you?” In keeping with her solid gold reputation for extreme niceness, she answered, “I don’t really look at people that way. I find that people’s attractiveness always comes from within.” Couldn’t have said it more nicely.