Speakers

Speakers / Panelists

Laura Runcie
RN
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Laura Runcie

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Laura Runcie
RN

Laura Runcie is a registered nurse with a passion for cardiovascular care, nursing as a profession, and continued/specialty education. Although she still considers herself a young nurse, she has squeezed a lot of learning, and experience into the past 9 years. Laura considers active effort in her own professional development key to fueling her zeal for, and satisfaction in CV nursing!

Shortly after beginning her nursing career in 2013, and with encouragement from colleagues, Laura joined CCCN. This decision was instrumental in setting the trajectory of her career. As an active member, she has attended any and all conferences, education days and journal clubs she could. In 2016, alongside a friend, she presented her first abstract at the CCCN Spring conference. That same year, she became a CNA certified cardiovascular nurse. Laura now serves on the CCCN BOD as the Director of Communications and Membership. Beyond her involvement with CCCN, Laura completed her MSN through UBC in 2019. 

When not on the quest for (formalized) knowledge, Laura can be found working! Having practiced as a RN in both New Brunswick and British Columbia, her nursing experience (thus far) includes: Cardiac Stepdown and Coronary Care units, in addition to Cardiac Catheterization. More recently she has moved into a Cardiac Surgery Nurse Associate role; but still “moonlights” on her CCU home turf at the New Brunswick Heart Centre. 

Of course there is more to her than working and “nerding out” over the heart. Laura has been married longer than she has been a nurse, has 2 amazing little girls and a dog. She loves coffee, exploring the outdoors, and drinking coffee outdoors.

• CCCN presents: ITVA (Implantation transcatheter de valvule aortique) estranges: avez-vous déjà vu cela?
  
  May 26, 2023 from 9:30am EST to 10:00am EST

Brenda Ridley
RN
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Brenda Ridley

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Brenda Ridley
RN

Brenda Ridley is the current president for the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (CCCN).  Brenda has an extensive background in Cardiology, Critical Care and Cardiovascular Surgery as a Nurse, Clinical educator and Practice Leader.

Brenda is a Partial load professor at Humber College for the Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Certificate programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness, Continuous Professional Learning. Brenda is also a BLS and ACLS Instructor for the Michener Institute in Toronto.

• Message from CCCN President
  
  May 26, 2023 from 8:25am EST to 8:40am EST

Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy
RN
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Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy

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Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy
RN

Dr. Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, in the Department of Nursing at Brock University. She has been a member of CCCN since 2004 and serves as the provincial chair for Ontario on the National CCCN Research Committee. Sheila is currently the Director of Research on the CCCN Board of Directors since 2019. Sheila is a Cardiovascular and Pain Scientist at the Social Justice Research Institute, the Centre for Research Across the Life Span, and the Brock Functional Inclusive Training (Bfit) Centre. Her current research program is supported by (New Horizons Employment and Social Development Canada-New Horizons for Seniors, e-Campus Ontario, and the New Frontiers in Research Fund) and includes three inter-related areas of focus: 1) to examine and describe cardiovascular disease related pain and associated symptoms: [early cardiac prodromal symptoms and acute/chronic symptom presentations], 2) with use of digital health technology design, develop and evaluate interventions to screen for and/or manage pain and other symptoms, and 3) to create meaningful knowledge mobilization through use of arts-based approaches to research.

• Opening Plenary: Embodying the HeArt of Cardiovascular Nursing with ART (available virtually)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 8:40am EST to 9:25am EST
• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST
• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Jo-Ann Sawatzky
RN
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Jo-Ann Sawatzky

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Jo-Ann Sawatzky
RN

Dr. Jo-Ann Sawatzky is a longstanding member of the CCCN; she has been the Director of Publications on the CCCN Board of Directors and the Editor of the CJCN for the past 3 years. Jo-Ann’s research in the area of cardiovascular health and illness, and women’s cardiovascular health, in particular, has garnered her more than $2.5 million in research funding and over 70 peer-reviewed publications to date. Jo-Ann is also a past recipient of the CCCN Cardiovascular Nursing Research Excellence Award. Jo-Ann thrives on mentoring graduate students and other novices in their writing for publication journeys and she seizes any opportunity to promote awareness of women’s heart health!

• CCCN Presents: A Woman’s Heart
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:00pm EST to 12:30pm EST

Karen Then
RN CCN(C) ACNP PhD
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Karen Then

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Karen Then
RN CCN(C) ACNP PhD

Dr. Then is a Professor at the University of Calgary and an acute care nurse practitioner in cardiac surgery with AHS.  Dr. Then has published numerous peer reviewed manuscripts, book chapters, and monographs. She serves as an Editor for the Canadian Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, and has edited for the Emergency Nursing Journal, Critical Care Nurse, Heart and Lung and a variety of other high impact journals. Dr. Then believes strongly in linkages between the clinical practice setting and her teaching and research and serves on many local, provincial and national committees. She was on the secondary panel reviewer for the 2016 Canadian Dyslipidemia Guidelines and the 2021 Guidelines. She sits on numerous local, provincial, and international committees related to risk reduction strategies and policy development.

In addition, Dr. Then has been instrumental in an international collaboration in Guyana, South America. She has developed a training program for registered nurses and helped start the first cardiac intensive care unit in Guyana. She has also been working with the University of Guyana in the development of a post RN degree program in cardiovascular nursing.

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST
• The Role of CXRs in Cardiac Disease: Are they helpful? What can they tell you? (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 10:20am EST to 11:05am EST
• Poster H: Valvular Heart Disease: Signs, Symptoms and Assessment Findings (13:30)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 1:05pm EST to 1:45pm EST

Noorin Jamal
RN
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Noorin Jamal

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Noorin Jamal
RN

Noorin is a passionate nurse leader with 17 years of clinical experience.  After several years in critical care, she pursued her passion for learning and graduated from the Master in Nursing program at the University of Toronto.  She has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2010 with a specialty in cardiology.  She is currently practicing as a Nurse Practitioner at Sunnybrook Health Science Center and was recently a consultant for Telus Health Virtual Care. In her hospital leadership role in 2014, she was responsible for professional practice of nursing and health professions in the Peter Munk Cardiac Center, General Surgery and Psychiatry program at the University Health Network.  She is actively involved in the academic realm with an adjunct lecturer appointment through the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Most recently she worked in the role of clinical consultant for the development of the first decision aid tool on refractory angina. She has developed a supplementary chapter on chronic angina self- management in Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, a program through Stanford University. She is most passionate about her volunteer work which has focused on resolving issues pertaining to access to healthcare and healthcare education for marginalized populations. Her goal is to enhance patient experience and education and she uses this to guide her clinical practice.

• CCCN Presents: Getting with the Guidelines: Heart Failure, HTN, Diabetes, STEMI and Lipid. What Nurses Need to Know (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 2:35pm EST to 3:20pm EST

Emily Hyde
RN
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Emily Hyde

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Emily Hyde
RN

Emily Hyde, RN, MN

I was born and raised in southern Ontario and attended the University of Western Ontario for my undergraduate education where I obtained a Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree along with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I moved to Winnipeg in 2013 to participate in the Winnipeg Critical Care Nursing Education Program (WCCNEP) and never left Manitoba. After completing the WCCNEP, I worked in the post-operative cardiac surgery ICU. I began working as a clinical education facilitator with nursing students on the cardiology unit, which opened the door to the educator role on that unit. I was the Continuing Education Instructor for the Cardiology Unit and the Pacemaker/ Defibrillator Clinic at St Boniface Hospital from 2015 to 2021 when I became a Clinical Nurse Specialist with Cardiac Sciences. I completed my Master of Nursing degree through the University of Manitoba in 2020 and began my doctoral studies there in fall 2021.

I enjoy collaborating with other healthcare professionals to drive change using research evidence in innovative ways to ensure we are providing the best educational experience to our coworkers and the best healthcare to Canadians. The projects I am involved in and am passionate about include congenital heart disease, structural heart interventions, heart failure, and post-intensive care syndrome. I enjoy working with the multidisciplinary team to integrate all team members along with patients and their families into care delivery to optimize patient outcomes.

I live outside of Winnipeg with my husband and two dogs. When not working or at school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, travelling, and trying the variety of restaurants and cuisine Winnipeg has to offer.

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST
• A Tale of Two QI Projects
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:20pm EST to 2:50pm EST

Susan Morris
RNBN MEd CNCC(C) CCN(C)
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Susan Morris

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Susan Morris
RNBN MEd CNCC(C) CCN(C)

Graduating from the Saint John School of Nursing in 1984 with a diploma in nursing. Sue began her cardiovascular nursing career and for the next twenty years she advanced her education and obtained a certificate in critical care in 2002, a baccalaureate degree in nursing in 2004, a diploma in university teaching in 2006 and a master’s degree in adult education in 2010. She is CNA certified in both critical care and cardiovascular care.

Her career has progressed from frontline critical care nurse, charge nurse, resource nurse and currently she is employed as a clinical nurse educator at the New Brunswick Heart Centre and the Teaching & Learning Consultant for the University of New Brunswick Critical Care Nursing Program. Sue is also an educator at Dalhousie Medical Scholl where she teaches ACLS, 12 Lead ECG and critical care skills.

Sue is the past president for the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses and current Director of Conferences. She is committed to increasing CCCN membership and enhancing cardiovascular education for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Her teaching philosophy suggests “everyone can learn; but not on the same day, or in the same way”.

• Welcome and Opening Remarks
  
  May 26, 2023 from 8:25am EST to 8:40am EST
• Opening Plenary: ECGs, STEMIs and Those that think they are STEMI’s (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:00am EST to 9:40am EST
• CCCN Presents: Getting with the Guidelines: Heart Failure, HTN, Diabetes, STEMI and Lipid. What Nurses Need to Know (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 2:35pm EST to 3:20pm EST

Mohamed Toufic El Hussein
PhD NP
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Mohamed Toufic El Hussein

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Mohamed Toufic El Hussein
PhD NP

Mohamed El Hussein is a Ph.D.-prepared Nurse practitioner. He completed his Ph.D. and post-masters Nurse Practitioner diploma at the University of Calgary in Alberta. Mohamed is a full professor at Mount Royal University, where he has a research program focusing on translational research and evidence-based practice. Dr. El Hussein is a well-published scholar with over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and coauthored several major nursing textbooks used in nursing programs nationwide. Mohamed also works part-time as an NP in the division of cardiology at the Rockyview General Hospital. His work as an NP in cardiology supports his research program as it keeps him up to date with the current issues and interventions in cardiology. Mohamed also serves as the director of education for the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta and is on the Journal for Nurse Practitioners editorial board.   

• Clinical Implications of an Acute Dip in eGFR after SGLT2 Inhibitor Initiation
  
  May 26, 2023 from 11:25am EST to 11:55am EST
• Cardiac amyloidosis: An Update on Pharmacotherapy
  
  May 26, 2023 from 9:30am EST to 10:00am EST

Nancy Clark
MN ACNP CCN(C)
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Nancy Clark

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Nancy Clark
MN ACNP CCN(C)

Nancy Clark is the clinical lead acute care nurse practitioner (NP) for the coronary care unit and cardiology NP manager at the Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, AB.  She has been involved in both program development and implementation for advanced practice nursing roles within the Department of Cardiac Sciences since 2002.  In 2021 she was awarded the Nursing Excellence award for Innovation by the College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta. She enrolled in the PhD program with the Faculty of Nursing at UCalgary in 2019 to explore her research interest in patients who have experienced a recurrent acute coronary syndrome event. 

• Clinical Implications of an Acute Dip in eGFR after SGLT2 Inhibitor Initiation
  
  May 26, 2023 from 11:25am EST to 11:55am EST
• The Invaluable Tool of Nursing Assessment in Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarctions
  
  May 26, 2023 from 1:35pm EST to 2:15pm EST
• Cardiac amyloidosis: An Update on Pharmacotherapy
  
  May 26, 2023 from 9:30am EST to 10:00am EST
• The Invaluable Tool of Nursing Assessment in Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarctions
  
  May 26, 2023 from 3:45pm EST to 4:30pm EST

Suzanne Fredricks
RN
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Suzanne Fredricks

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Suzanne Fredricks
RN

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST

Lisa Keeping-Burke
RN
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Lisa Keeping-Burke

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Lisa Keeping-Burke
RN

Lisa Keeping-Burke, RN, PhD, is the Associate Dean of Health Research in the Department of Nursing & Health Sciences at the University of New Brunswick. She has Bachelor and Master of Nursing degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing from McGill University. Her program of research includes the management of adult chronic diseases with a focus on cardiovascular illnesses. Her research involves patient populations across institutional and community settings.

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST

Davina Banner-Lukaris
RN
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Davina Banner-Lukaris

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Davina Banner-Lukaris
RN

Dr. Davina Banner is an Associate Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia and resides on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. Davina leads an interdisciplinary program of research that is focused on cardiovascular and rural health, along with research that advances the science and practice of integrated knowledge translation and patient-oriented research. Through her research, Davina seeks to improve the health of Canadians living with complex health conditions, along with studying methods and practices that support meaningful co-production in research. Davina's clinical practice foundations are in cardiothoracic critical care nursing and hospice palliative care.

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST

Vanessa MacDonald
RN
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Vanessa MacDonald

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Vanessa MacDonald
RN

Vanessa is currently completing a Masters in Nursing Degree through the University of New Brunswick. She works as the Resource Nurse for the Coronary Care Unit at the New Brunswick Heart Centre in Saint John, NB. She has previously presented on topics such as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and pain management post cardiac arrest while undergoing targeted temperature management. Vanessa lives in Grand Bay, New Brunswick with her husband and three children.

• CCCN Presents: The Decision to Resuscitate; Or Not!
  
  May 26, 2023 from 11:25am EST to 11:55am EST

Karen Harkness
RN
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Karen Harkness

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Karen Harkness
RN

Dr. Karen Harkness has been a cardiovascular nurse for over 30 years and completed her PhD  (Nursing) studies in 2009. Currently Dr. Harkness is a clinical strategist and subject matter expert for heart failure at Ontario Health-CorHealth. This role includes engaging key stakeholders from clinical, research and administrative positions to help inform and improve health system design and patient- centred care in Ontario.

Karen is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor with the School of Nursing at McMaster University and has over 35 peer reviewed publications related to heart failure. Karen is a founding member of the  Nursing and Allied Health Council of the Canadian Heart Failure Society and previous member of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Heart Failure Guidelines. In 2021, Karen received the Canadian Heart Failure Society (CHFS) Annual Achievement Award.

• Delivering Heart Failure Care during COVID- Our Virtual Reality
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:00pm EST to 12:30pm EST
• CCCN Presents: Getting with the Guidelines: Heart Failure, HTN, Diabetes, STEMI and Lipid. What Nurses Need to Know (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 2:35pm EST to 3:20pm EST

Wynne Chiu
RN
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Wynne Chiu

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Wynne Chiu
RN

 Wynne Chiu is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the heart failure, heart transplant & mechanical circulatory support program at St. Paul’s Hospital. She has been nursing at St. Paul’s Heart Centre for over 20 years and has worked in various areas such as the cardiac surgery ICU and the adult congenital heart clinic. She currently serves as a member of the Nursing & Allied Health Council as well as the board of directors in the Canadian Heart Failure Society. She is also an adjunct professor for School of Nursing at UBC. She is passionate in her CNS role to improving health outcomes for patients living with heart failure through advocacy, system transformation and research.

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST
• Delivering Heart Failure Care during COVID- Our Virtual Reality
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:00pm EST to 12:30pm EST
• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Morgan Krauter
RN
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Morgan Krauter

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Morgan Krauter
RN

Morgan Krauter is a nurse practitioner pursuing her Doctor of Nursing at the University of Toronto. She completed her undergraduate nursing degree at McMaster University and began her career as a cardiac telemetry nurse. She later completed her Critical Care Nursing certification at Algonquin College. She worked as a registered nurse in critical care and a coronary care unit before pursuing her Masters of Nursing at the University of Toronto. She completed her Adult-Geriatric nurse practitioner certification and a Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) Clinical Fellowship in palliative care. Morgan’s clinical focus is in ambulatory heart failure management and advanced heart failure therapies. She values community based chronic disease interventions focused on patient equality, improving quality of life, and keeping patients at home.  

• “I want to die” and other uncomfortable goals of care conversations (available virtually)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 1:35pm EST to 2:15pm EST

Shannon Doucette
RN
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Shannon Doucette

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Shannon Doucette
RN

Shannon Doucette, RN BScN MN, is the Heart Failure Project Lead at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Shannon’s journey as a registered nurse began in neuroscience and cardiovascular critical care nursing for over 20 years, she pursued her passion for continued education and graduated from the Master’s in Nursing program as an Advanced Practice Nurse at the University of Toronto, Ontario.  She practiced as a Clinical Nurse Specialists in stroke care and is now instrumental in contributing towards her passion in driving best practices in heart and brain health while improving care and support for people living with heart failure and their caregivers across Canada.

• An Exploratory Analysis of the Experiences of People Living with Heart Failure
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:20pm EST to 2:50pm EST

Tresa Maria Jose
RN, BSN, MBA-HM, CCN(C)
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Tresa Maria Jose

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Tresa Maria Jose
RN, BSN, MBA-HM, CCN(C)

Tresa Maria Jose is a Certified Cardiovascular ICU RN from Toronto. She has been a critical care ICU nurse for 18 years and has worked in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Units in India, Kuwait, and Ireland. She received her MBA in hospital management from Jaipur National University, India, and recently completed Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management certification from Ryerson University, Toronto.

Tresa is primarily interested in disease prevention initiatives and nurse-led healthcare projects in Ontario, and she has been an active member of AACN, CCCN, RNAO, and PCNA. Projects involving cardiovascular research and innovation are very close to Tresa's heart. Outside work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Tresa and Ivin have two children, and they live in Toronto.

• Nursing management in Systolic Anterior Motion of Mitral Valve after the Mitral Valve Repair: A Clinical Case
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Dawn Prentice
RN
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Dawn Prentice

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Dawn Prentice
RN

• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Mark McPherson
MSc
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Mark McPherson

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Mark McPherson
MSc

• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Don Gibson
RN
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Don Gibson

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Don Gibson
RN

• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Karen Sterne
BSc
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Karen Sterne

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Karen Sterne
BSc

• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Tabeer Afzal
BSc
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Tabeer Afzal

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Tabeer Afzal
BSc

• The Pre-Pandemic State of CVD Risk in Adolescents over a 6-year period
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:55pm EST to 3:25pm EST

Caralee Anderson
MN NP
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Caralee Anderson

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Caralee Anderson
MN NP

Caralee is a Nurse Practitioner on the Cardiology Team at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. Caralee’s NP work focuses on the cardiology ward population, where she works as a multidisciplinary team member. Before becoming an NP, Caralee spent most of her RN career working in a mix of intensive care and cardiac care roles. To support this, she completed her Advanced Certificate in Critical Care Nursing. She recently graduated from her NP program at the University of Regina/Saskatchewan Polytechnic Collaborative Nurse Practitioner Program and is grateful for the opportunity to continue to pursue her passion for cardiology in the NP role.  

• The Invaluable Tool of Nursing Assessment in Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarctions
  
  May 26, 2023 from 1:35pm EST to 2:15pm EST
• The Invaluable Tool of Nursing Assessment in Mechanical Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarctions
  
  May 26, 2023 from 3:45pm EST to 4:30pm EST

Serena Kutcher
BSN RN
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Serena Kutcher

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Serena Kutcher
BSN RN

Serena Kutcher graduated from the UBC School of Nursing in 2003 and started her career at the bedside of the medical unit at St. Paul's Hospital. She joined the Heart Centre at St. Paul's in 2005, initially on the Cardiology ward and transitioned to Patient Educator in the Heart Function Clinic. She played a key role in implementing BC's first Atrial Fibrillation Clinic in 2009 and connected with innumerable patients over the course of 13 years. 

In 2020, Serena took over the role of Program Coordinator for the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Program. Her focus is on heart rhythm disorders, cardiogenetics and helping to support patients in navigating the healthcare system. She received her certificate in Management Excellence from the UBC Sauder School of Business in 2019 and is a graduate of the Core Leadership Program at Providence Healthcare. 

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Andrew Krahn
MD FRCPC
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Andrew Krahn

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Andrew Krahn
MD FRCPC

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Emma Freeth
MSc CGC
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Emma Freeth

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Emma Freeth
MSc CGC

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Leslie Achtem
RN
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Leslie Achtem

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Leslie Achtem
RN

• Virtual nurse clinic visits and the Essential Frailty Toolset: Validation of the virtual measurement
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Brittany Hollett
RN
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Brittany Hollett

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Brittany Hollett
RN

• Taking the WTF out of MCS: What Nurses Need to Know About Mechanical Circulatory Support (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 11:45am EST to 12:30pm EST

Derrick Hibbert
BN CCP
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Derrick Hibbert

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Derrick Hibbert
BN CCP

• Taking the WTF out of MCS: What Nurses Need to Know About Mechanical Circulatory Support (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 11:45am EST to 12:30pm EST

Chris Kuttnig
RN
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Chris Kuttnig

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Chris Kuttnig
RN

Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Calgary in 1997, Chris started her nursing career in there.  She became a critical care nurse in 1997 and moved back to her home province of Manitoba in 2003 and working in the med/surg ICU.  She began her cardiovascular nursing career in 2007 when she became an educator in the Cardiac Sciences program.  She has been a part of CCU/ACCU since that time in the role of educator and more recently as the Program Team Manager for ACCU.

She obtained her CNA Cardiovascular certification in 2010.  Chris has been an active member of CCCN since 2007.  She has been a member on the Manitoba chapter since 2007 and held national positions such as Director of Provincial divisions and Membership as well as participating in the national awards and finance committee. Chris is the current President-Elect for CCCN.   

• Demystifying the Pulmonary Artery Catheter: A Toolkit for Nursing Care
  
  May 27, 2023 from 12:35pm EST to 1:05pm EST
• CCCN Presents: Getting with the Guidelines: Heart Failure, HTN, Diabetes, STEMI and Lipid. What Nurses Need to Know (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 2:35pm EST to 3:20pm EST
• Awards Ceremony Closing Remarks from Incoming President (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 3:25pm EST to 3:45pm EST

Adrian Eisma
RN BN
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Adrian Eisma

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Adrian Eisma
RN BN

I completed my Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Manitoba in 2008 and started working at St. Boniface then on the Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit (CSIU). I completed my ICU training in 2011 and worked in Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery (ICCS) until 2012. From there I moved on to work for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Heart Catheterization Lab where I stayed until 2021.  At the end of that year I moved into my current role as the Continuing Education Instructor for the Acute Cardiac Care Unit (ACCU) and the Critical Care Resource Team (CCRT).

• Demystifying the Pulmonary Artery Catheter: A Toolkit for Nursing Care
  
  May 27, 2023 from 12:35pm EST to 1:05pm EST

Stephanie Gilroy
RN
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Stephanie Gilroy

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Stephanie Gilroy
RN

• Exploring factors that influence post procedure bleeding in cardiac ablation patients
  
  May 27, 2023 from 12:35pm EST to 1:05pm EST

Mona Groenewegen-Beukeboom
MN, NP-PHC
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Mona Groenewegen-Beukeboom

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Mona Groenewegen-Beukeboom
MN, NP-PHC

After graduation from the University of Western Ontario’s BScN program in 1992, I nursed in a wide variety of clinical settings, including ICU, emergency, community and CCU. I received my MN and NP-PHC certification in 2014 from Western University and have worked as a Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care as well as at the Heart Failure Clinic at St Joseph’s Health Care London. I have recently changed positions to provide care as the first NP at St Thomas Elgin General Hospital within the Geriatric and Complex Care Program.

• CCCN Presents: Cardiac Amyloidosis: Review & Key Clinical Practice Points for Cardiovascular Nursing (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 1:50pm EST to 2:30pm EST

Lisa Gomes
RN
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Lisa Gomes

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Lisa Gomes
RN

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Suzanne Nixon
RN
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Suzanne Nixon

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Suzanne Nixon
RN

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Andrea Fong
RN
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Andrea Fong

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Andrea Fong
RN

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Lance Bascug
RN
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Lance Bascug

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Lance Bascug
RN

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Dianne Ross
RN
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Dianne Ross

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Dianne Ross
RN

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Martha Mackay
RN
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Martha Mackay

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Martha Mackay
RN

Mackay has more than 40 years’ experience in cardiovascular and critical care nursing. She has held the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Cardiology at St. Paul’s Heart Centre and is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing. Dr. Mackay’s clinical focus is on improving the care of patients with acute coronary syndrome/myocardial infarction.  Her research examines sociodemographic and behavioural influences on cardiac health, such as sex/gender, ethnicity and depression.  Her expertise and leadership in cardiovascular nursing is recognized nationally and has earned her several awards

• Poster B - Virtual Care in Heart Function Clinics (10:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Joelle Brennan
RN
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Joelle Brennan

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Joelle Brennan
RN

• Poster C - It’s All Downhill from Here-Supporting Safe Patient Care with Systematic Transfer Reporting (10:30)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Esther Alleyne
RN
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Esther Alleyne

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Esther Alleyne
RN

Esther is the Clinical Nurse Educator for Cardiology and the Coronary Care Unit at William Osler Health System, where she gets to merge her passion for cardiovascular nursing and teaching. Her entire career has been focused within the cardiovascular program. Prior to her current role she spent her time at the bedside within Cardiology, Critical Care, and the Cardiac Procedures Unit. She is currently concluding her Master’s Degree in Nursing with an Education Specialization, where she hopes to improve her practice in her leadership role, continue to facilitate growth within nursing and support high quality care for the community served.   

• Poster D: Changing the Pace: Standard of Care for Temporary Permanent Pacemakers Post Infective Endocarditis (13:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Melissa Rose
RN
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Melissa Rose

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Melissa Rose
RN

Melissa was born and raised in Newfoundland. Her love for cardiac nursing started early in her career and continues on today. After graduation she worked for a short time on the cardiology ward and moved on to the ICU/CCU at the Health Sciences Center in St John’s Newfoundland. Melissa worked a couple of years in Home Health care in Arkansas and then it was back to CCU in North Carolina. After 6 years in the US she decided it was time to come back to Canada. In 2000 she was recruited to the CCU at St. Michael’s Hospital where she first became involved with the CCCN and presenting at conferences. Melissa was grassroots during start up of the Code STEMI program as well as several other quality initiatives during her time there. For the past 14 years Melissa has been the Resource Nurse in the CCU at Brampton Civic Hospital and mostly recently the Interim Clinical Services Manager for the cardiology ward. Melissa loves sharing her knowledge with emerging cardiac nurses.

• Poster D: Changing the Pace: Standard of Care for Temporary Permanent Pacemakers Post Infective Endocarditis (13:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Marianne Lesage
RN
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Marianne Lesage

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Marianne Lesage
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Hecel Peakman
RN
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Hecel Peakman

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Hecel Peakman
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Joanne Mackinnon
RN
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Joanne Mackinnon

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Joanne Mackinnon
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Noreen Rozani
RN
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Noreen Rozani

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Noreen Rozani
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Laureen Strelau
RN
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Laureen Strelau

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Laureen Strelau
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Kim Woody
RN
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Kim Woody

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Kim Woody
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Ron Shiu
RN
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Ron Shiu

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Ron Shiu
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Jennifer Hamera
RN
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Jennifer Hamera

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Jennifer Hamera
RN

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Vininder Bains
RN
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Vininder Bains

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Vininder Bains
RN

Vini is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for Critical Care (i.e., ICU, CICU, CSICU, HAU and CCOT) at Providence Healthcare in Vancouver BC since 2016 and currently as an Adjunct Professor at the UBC School of Nursing. She received her MSN from UBC in 2017. Prior to her role as a CNS Vini was a bedside ICU nurse with 17 years of clinical experience which includes a smattering of clinical teaching as well. Vini currently volunteers with the Clinical Nurse Specialist Association of BC (CNSABC) and with the BC Chapter of the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses (CACCN) which she selfishly does so she can have the excuse to work with some of the most brilliant nurses BC has to offer.

• Poster E: Wishing Well Implementation in Critical Care (13:15)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 12:30pm EST to 1:30pm EST

Heather MacLean
RN
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Heather MacLean

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Heather MacLean
RN

Heather is an Associate Professor at Mount Royal University (MRU) in Calgary, AB. As a Registered Nurse for 35 years, Heather has held numerous positions in the adult health population with most of her experience in cardiology including the clinical nurse educator role (CNE) prior to joining MRU in 2009. She continues to practice in acute care and maintains currency of practice.

• Poster A - Empowering Patients and Families Living with Heart Failure: An Educational Video Series (10:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Stephanie Smawley
RN BScN
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Stephanie Smawley

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Stephanie Smawley
RN BScN

Stephanie graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2012. Since graduation, she worked as a bedside nurse for over seven years within medical cardiology prior to transitioning to the role of Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) in 2019. Prior to assuming the role of CNE, she also worked casually as a Case Manger within Rural Home Care to broaden her skill set. Cardiology has been a passion of hers since nursing school.  

• Poster A - Empowering Patients and Families Living with Heart Failure: An Educational Video Series (10:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Katie de Mello
RN
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Katie de Mello

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Katie de Mello
RN

Katie de Mello graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Kinesiology in 2002 and a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Mount Royal College through Athabasca University in 2006. Since graduation she has worked as a floor nurse and over the past four years as a Nurse Clinician in Cardiology in Calgary, AB. 

• Poster A - Empowering Patients and Families Living with Heart Failure: An Educational Video Series (10:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Simone Angus
RN
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Simone Angus

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Simone Angus
RN

• Poster A - Empowering Patients and Families Living with Heart Failure: An Educational Video Series (10:00)
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:00am EST to 10:45am EST

Stefanie MacLeod
MSN
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Stefanie MacLeod

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Stefanie MacLeod
MSN

Stefanie MacLeod RN BN MSN CCCN(C) CHE is an experienced Patient Care Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. She is a strong healthcare services professional with a Master of Nursing focused in Nursing Education from The University of British Columbia, specializing in the management of nursing, cardiac intervention, electrophysiology, heart rhythm and cardiac devices, echocardiography, cardiac diagnostics, cardiovascular genetics, ambulatory clinics and implementing EMR and IMITS solutions within clinical setting. For many years Stef was a critical care and cathlab nurse and is a proud member of the CCCN and the CCHL. 

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST
• Poster F: Implementing a Standardized Process for Cardiology Follow Up Post Cardiac Admission to Hospital (11:15)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 11:05am EST to 11:45am EST

Holly Andrews
RN
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Holly Andrews

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Holly Andrews
RN

• Poster F: Implementing a Standardized Process for Cardiology Follow Up Post Cardiac Admission to Hospital (11:15)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 11:05am EST to 11:45am EST

Freya Kelly
RN
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Freya Kelly

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Freya Kelly
RN

Freya Kelly is the advanced practice nurse for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Cardiac Supportive and Palliative Care Program and the Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic.

Freya Kelly received her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences in 2013, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015, and subsequently her Master’s of Science in Nursing in 2017, all at the University of Ottawa. She joined the Heart Institute in 2017 as a nurse educator in the Prevention and Wellness Program. Freya then fulfilled various roles such as clinical nurse for the Cardiac Virtual Care Department, the Heart Function Clinic, and then as a nurse coordinator.

 Freya’s research interests include cardiovascular nursing research, research on cardio-oncology, women’s heart health, patient self-management tools and resources, and evidence-based practice implementation

• Poster G: Feasibility of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation for Breast Cancer Patients with Cardiotoxicity (11:30)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 11:05am EST to 11:45am EST

Breagha McPhee
BNRN CCN (C)
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Breagha McPhee

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Breagha McPhee
BNRN CCN (C)

I am originally from the small town of Sussex, New Brunswick. I currently live in Saint John, keeping close to my friends and family. I completed my Bachelor of Nursing at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. Having access to the New Brunswick Heart Center as a student during my undergraduate degree allowed me to fall in love with cardiac nursing. I have been a registered nurse on the Cardiac Services unit for the last 5 years. As a young nurse, I have had the pleasure of being influenced and inspired by so many amazing nurses. I completed my certification in Cardiovascular Nursing in 2020. In spring 2022, I started my studies in my Masters of Nursing through Athabasca University. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my significant other, Matt, my family, and my best friends. I am very honored to be able to participate in this year’s Spring Conference and look forward to this great community building opportunity.

• When your TEVAR Chooses MAID
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST

Jill Bruneau
Ph.D. NP CC(N)C
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Jill Bruneau

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Jill Bruneau
Ph.D. NP CC(N)C

I am currently an Assistant Professor and Nurse Practitioner Coordinator for the Master of Science in Nursing Program, NP Option at Memorial University. I am a PhD-prepared nurse practitioner with experience caring for cardiac patients over the past 20 years, and educating NP students for over 12 years. My dissertation work was focused on cardiovascular health promotion and the development and testing of an intervention for the early detection of cardiac risk factors and management of patients by health care providers using evidenced-based guidelines. I have attained numerous scholarships and research grants for my dissertation work and current research initiatives. I am currently working on my program of research in the areas of knowledge translation, cardiovascular health promotion, management of risk factors, and timely access of vulnerable groups to appropriate health care services. I am interested in connecting with others on projects related to these research areas.

• CONNECT with Cardiovascular Nurses and Allied Health Professionals for International Collaboration in Research
  
  May 26, 2023 from 10:50am EST to 11:20am EST

Kristi Maltby
RN
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Kristi Maltby

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Kristi Maltby
RN

• A Tale of Two QI Projects
  
  May 26, 2023 from 2:20pm EST to 2:50pm EST

Jackie Forman
CNS
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Jackie Forman

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Jackie Forman
CNS

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Zachary Laksman
MD FRCPC
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Zachary Laksman

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Zachary Laksman
MD FRCPC

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Melanie Mulder
MSN
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Melanie Mulder

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Melanie Mulder
MSN

• Caring for Patients with Inherited Arrythmias: A Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
  
  May 27, 2023 from 9:45am EST to 10:15am EST

Leslie Poirier
ACNP MN RN
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Leslie Poirier

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Leslie Poirier
ACNP MN RN

• The Role of CXRs in Cardiac Disease: Are they helpful? What can they tell you? (available virtually)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 10:20am EST to 11:05am EST
• Poster H: Valvular Heart Disease: Signs, Symptoms and Assessment Findings (13:30)
  
  May 27, 2023 from 1:05pm EST to 1:45pm EST