Darlinda Manzano, NP

Professional Profile

I want people to perform their job, pain-free, until they retire. As an occupational nurse practitioner, I've worked with patients as young as 16 and as old as 77 to help them achieve this goal.

I help patients with work-related injuries and conduct pre-employment physicals. I want to make an impact on the preventive side of care. I like to talk about what muscle groups patients will use on their job and certain stretches they can do to make their job easier.

For 15 years, I've worked with patients with musculoskeletal problems in urgent care, primary care and occupational health settings. Prevention is a big focus of my practice. I tell my patients that they've only got one back and one set of hands. It's really important to protect your health.

At an appointment with me, my patients can expect that I'll be informed, compassionate and involved with their treatment. Together, we'll come up with a plan of care. I don't take an authoritative approach with patients. I don't tell them what they can and can't do. Instead, we discuss options and come up with something that works for all concerned.

When I'm not at work, you can find me at Disneyland. I'm a big Disney enthusiast. My husband and I love listening to all kinds of music and dancing - anything from R&B to electronic dance music. I've been known to get into mosh pits and dance with twenty-somethings.

Education

• MSN/ANP, University of California, San Francisco, CA
• BSPHA, Saint Joseph's College, Portland, ME

Certifications

• Adult Nurse Practitioner