Recognition Awards

GILLIAN YATES, RN, BN, MN, CCN(C)

Letter of Nomination

We have had the pleasure of working with Gillian for over six years in different capacities, most recently as Nurse Practitioner within the Division of Cardiology at Capita Health in Halifax. Gillian is known by all of her colleagues as someone they can depend on when they need advice and/or support in whatever aspect of clinical care they are providing.

Gillian is a classic "team player", supporting and teaching not only fellow Nurse Practitioners, and staff nurses, but as well as Pharmacists and a multitude of medical, nursing and nurse practitioner students that come to our busy teaching centre. People choose Gillian to be a part of their team as she gives 100% of her effort and energy to all projects she works on. She offers her support willingly and is approachable and honest. She can provide guidance in a constructive way that is not seen as critical.

Gillian is also able to work independently, making decisions about her patients' care that are trusted to be the right decisions, by her physician and nurse colleagues and, above all, her patients. She set up the nurse-run Cardiac Liaison Clinic which has been instrumental in allowing inpatients to shorten their length of stay in hospital, and as well, she set up the Emergency Liaison Clinic, Early Discharge Clinic and Urgent Clinic. All of these were created to facilitate treatment of cardiac patients in an outpatient setting, in a timely manner.

Gillian has shown a true desire to improve patient care not only in the hospital setting but in our neighbouring communities as well. She is an adjunct professor in the Department of Nursing, Dalhousie University and has been a nurse mentor and preceptor to many nursing students, at both the baccalaureate and master's level. She participates on a number of committees, such as the Capital Health Smoking Advisory Committee, in an effort to support smoking cessation programs to our Capital Health employees. She sits on the advisory committee of the Community Health in Motion program, and is the Nova Scotia representative for the Canadian Lipid Nurse Network. Every year since 1998, Gillian participates on the planning committee for the annual Atlantic Canada Cardiovascular Conference and is participating in this year's Heart Health Accreditation committee.

Gillian has been the past Provincial Director, Secretary, and Public Relations Chairperson for the Nova Scotia chapter of CCN. She is a volunteer member of the Chebucto West Community Health Board and has provided many community presentations on lipids and smoking cessation, one of which was broadcasted on a local cable television station for over two years.

Gillian's participation in research work has been ongoing. She has the ability and forethought to see where there may be an issue that has an impact on patient care which could be improved through research. She encourages support and participation of research by the nursing staff which makes them feel empowered and excited to participate in a process that which will promote evidence-based care.

Gillian has educated many nurses and other health care professionals through her numerous presentations. These topics range in nature from specific clinical scenarios and case studies that are discussed to specific disease entities that are taught. She always facilitates audience discussion to around what as nurses; can we do better when we are faced with these challenges in our patient's health and care? She is constantly looking for a positive relationship between the care/intervention that is provided and its impact on patient outcomes. She thinks outside of the box and challenges all members of the Health Care team to rationalize why things are done the way they are, and what we can do to make it better for the patient. Gillian is extremely patient focused and her patients appreciate the time she takes to sit and explain with them exactly what is going on. Her professionalism and caring nature is seen as a role model not only for nurses, but for all health care staff who are responsible for any part of patient related care.

Gillian is accountable for the care she provides in her role within Capital Health. She strives for excellence in everything she does, and it shows in her work and her relationships with her colleagues. She has made significant contributions to nursing education and clinical expertise. She is well respected and truly a pleasure to work with.

We would highly recommend Gillian Yates for consideration for the CCCN award for Clinical Excellence.

Nominators: Paula Holt, Karen MacRuty-Sweet, Lilly MacDonald