The Heart Of Hospice
Case Study:
Gretchen Gordon
Investing in Knowledge, Leading with Compassion
“If we don’t invest in our nurses, we don’t have a service. We’re not just investing in individuals
—we’re investing in every patient we go on to care for.”
Nurse Practitioner, Gretchen Gordon, is more than a skilled clinician at Cranford Hospice—she’s a passionate educator, mentor, and leader dedicated to advancing the knowledge and confidence of every nurse she works alongside.
From her early training in New Zealand to extensive experience in nursing and specialist palliative care roles in London, Gretchen’s journey has been grounded in continuous education and the sharing of knowledge. During her time volunteering in Nepal and Zambia, Gretchen had the opportunity to pass on her nursing knowledge. She describes the experience as “life-changing” and foundational to her passion for education.
Since returning to Hawke’s Bay and joining Cranford Hospice a decade ago, Gretchen has continued to deepen her own expertise, completing a Postgraduate Diploma, a Master’s in Nursing, and qualifying as a Nurse Practitioner—an advanced role requiring rigorous study and clinical practice.
As a Nurse Practitioner, Gretchen plays a vital role not only in direct patient care but in upskilling the next generation of nurses. She delivers formal education sessions and informal mentoring across Hawke’s Bay—including in aged care facilities and rural communities—to ensure high-quality palliative care is accessible and equitable.
“I’m very passionate about sharing knowledge,” she says. “Education is lifelong—and as a nurse leader, creating a safe space for learning is part of my role.”
Her leadership helps nurses feel confident managing complex care needs, even when working alone in homes or facilities across the region.
“Knowledge gives staff the confidence to walk into a patient’s home or aged care facility, knowing they can provide the right care. That’s powerful—and essential.”
As a Nurse Practitioner, Gretchen was able to provide immediate, holistic care to a patient referred for palliative care assessment for pain and symptom management. Gretchen was able to diagnose, prescribe, and coordinate care in one visit, dramatically improving the patient’s pain, sleep, and peace of mind.
“I could complete that entire episode of care safely and efficiently. That’s the impact of advanced nursing education.”
Gretchen believes strongly that investing in nurse education is key to the future of hospice care. It builds skill, lifts morale, retains talent, and ensures the best possible care for patients and families at their most vulnerable time.
Help us care for the carers.
Case Study:
Louise Price
From Student Nurse to Palliative Care Nurse at Cranford Hospice
“I feel really grateful to work in a job where I get to be with people in the hardest moments of their lives. It’s an honour and a privilege.”
When Louise began her nursing training four years ago, she never imagined that her path would lead to hospice care. But a personal connection—her grandfather was cared for by Cranford—sparked an interest in palliative care. Determined to experience nursing beyond the hospital walls, she ranked Cranford Hospice as her top choice for her clinical placement.
Like many, Louise, initially believed hospices were quiet, clinical spaces where patients simply came to die. But from the very first day of her clinical placement, she found something very different, a place filled with warmth, connection, and deeply personal care.
“I was surprised at how much there was on offer…the family support team, the holistic approach, the time spent with each patient. It was very different from the rest of my training.”
A former beauty therapist, Louise discovered the holistic, compassionate approach of hospice nursing care. She found that even small, personal gestures became moments of powerful connection.
“I painted a patient’s nails. Our relationship hadn’t started off great, but after that, it changed everything.”
One moment that stayed with her was helping a Pasifika family, who had been trying to manage on their own, in line with their culture. The family reached out to Louise to help them with a deeply personal moment of care.
“The family were crying and hugging me, saying thank you. It was overwhelming, but I’ll never forget it.”
After completing her three-month placement at Cranford, Louise was inspired to return as a full-time Registered Nurse. Louise is currently enrolled in the Nurse Entry to Practice (NEtP) programme through Hawke’s Bay Hospital to further develop her skills as a nurse.
Cranford is supporting her with professional development, ongoing training, guidance and supervision, and access to clinical counselling. With ongoing support Louise is continuing to grow—and give back.
Driven by her commitment to the people and values she found at Cranford, Louise plans to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative to expand her knowledge.