Statement of direction I feel the Council should take

The Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (CCCN) is in a unique position to build on its many accomplishments to best prepare cardiovascular nurses for the changes, challenges and opportunities on our horizon, and to continue to advance best practices in cardiovascular nursing through leadership, advocacy and knowledge translation.

As a member of the Council’s executive committee, I would advocate and collaborate to support our provincial chapters to strengthen their capacity, to broaden their membership, and to provide accessible networking and educational opportunities. I believe that strong, active and engaged provincial branches are key to the future of the Council and cardiovascular nursing.

To continue and enhance the Council’s mandate to provide a national voice for Canadian cardiovascular nursing, my vision includes a visible, cohesive and articulate Council working at the intersections of research, education and leadership. I see opportunities to strengthen our visibility and alliance with various partners, including the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and the network of national leaders in cardiovascular nursing and health.

Given the global opportunities and challenges facing cardiovascular nurses, I believe the Council can extend its expertise and foster collaborative opportunities with the American Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and the European Council of Cardiovascular Nurses.

The Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nursing brings together nurses with a wealth of clinical, educational, research and leadership experience and knowledge. My vision for the direction we should take shows a commitment to developing and sustaining the richness of cardiovascular nursing in Canada.

I have been a cardiovascular nurse since 1991 and have worked in various clinical areas including critical care and interventional cardiology, as a staff nurse, educator and presently as clinical nurse specialist. I obtained my Canadian Nurses’ Association in Cardiovascular Nursing in 2003. I am a PhD student at the University Of British Columbia School Of Nursing and am pursuing a program of research focused on cardiovascular health. I hold a Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation Nursing Research Fellowship and am a doctoral trainee of the FUTURE (Facilitating Unique Training Using Research and Education) strategic training program for cardiovascular nurse scientists. As Secretary/Treasurer and member of the CCCN Board of Directors, I would use my experience, education and commitment to excellence in cardiovascular practice to contribute to the advancement of Canadian cardiovascular nursing.