During her teenage years she had the chance to work in a general practice in Wairoa, an experience that fuelled her desire to move into medicine. She graduated as a doctor in 2012 and has previously worked at Gisborne Hospital. General practice remains her goal and while she is at Three Rivers Medical she works under the supervision of Dr Fergus Aitcheson. When not at work Dr Nielsen can be found back in Mahia fishing and diving.