Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Week 2025

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play an essential role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, both nationwide and here at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists. With advanced training, extensive clinical experience, and a commitment to compassionate care, APRNs help ensure our patients receive timely access to treatment, seamless care coordination, and support at every stage of their orthopaedic journey.

Ahead of APRN Week, November 9-15, we are proud to highlight the expertise and dedication of our own Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Working closely with their collaborating physicians, these providers support clinic visits, pre- and post-operative care, surgical planning, and ongoing patient education. Their contributions strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional orthopaedic care every day and at every visit.

At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we are grateful for the expertise, compassion, and clinical excellence our APRNs bring to our practice. Learn more about the APRNs who serve our patients and community.

Nathan Carter, APRN

Nathan Carter, APRN, earned his Master of Science in Nursing in Family Practice from Pittsburg State University in 2012. He began his career with an Orthopedic Sports Medicine practice specializing in ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair before relocating to Florida in 2017. Nathan went on to serve in the orthopedic trauma department of a local hospital, where he became the lead Ortho Trauma APP and gained extensive experience treating acute injuries.

In January 2024, Nathan joined Dr. Matthew Mai's practice, focusing on hip preservation. He brings a strong foundation in complex musculoskeletal care and a passion for helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys time with his wife and children, cheering on the San Francisco 49ers, and spending sunny days boating or relaxing on the beach.

Jeanine Hellwig, ARNP-C

Jeanine Hellwig, ARNP-C, began her nursing career in Winter Haven, Florida, in 1978 after completing her Associate of Science in Nursing. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Southern College. She built early experience as both a Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit and as a Utilization Review Coordinator in Montgomery, Alabama.

Jeanine moved to Northwest Florida in 1989 to serve as an office nurse and private surgical scrub for a local Orthopaedic Surgeon. After completing her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama in 1999, she became an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner. Earlier this year, Jeanine joined North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, where she continued to provide exceptional orthopedic care alongside Dr. Christopher Bookout.

Joseph Stubbs, ACNPC-AG

Joseph Stubbs, ACNPC-AG, is a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with more than twelve years of nursing experience. A recent addition to Dr. Christopher Bookout’s team, he earned his ASN from Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, followed by his BSN from Chamberlain University, and later his master’s degree at Walden University. His career includes extensive perioperative and surgical care in hospital settings, as well as work as a travel nurse across the country, where he gained broad, diverse clinical experience.

Joseph has specialized training in orthopaedic and general surgical patient care and is committed to helping patients safely navigate their treatment and recovery. Outside the clinic, he spends his time with his wife and children, fishing, diving, and enjoying the Gulf Coast waters.

Click the play button below to watch this episode of The Bone & Joint Brief video series.