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LIBIN LIFE
Putting patients first Nurse practitioner-led cardiac unit amongst first in Canada By Dawn Smith
T
here were some exciting changes to the medical cardiology coronary care unit (CCU) at Calgary’s Rocky View General (RGH) hospital in 2019. On February 1, 2019, the seven-bed unit, which treats patients admitted with heart problems, became one of the first in Canada to be led by nurse practitioners, health-care leaders with advanced training in nursing. Nurse practitioner Nancy Clark, who spearheaded the initiative and is now the clinic nurse practitioner lead for the clinic, says the model provides consistent care for patients, as there is now a dedicated team of professionals on hand with advanced knowledge in cardiology and the ability to diagnose and prescribe medication. “We are the first in line to consult with the emergency room on cardiology matters,”
she says. “We are available for all hours, covering all shifts. We see all patients.” Rocky View’s cardiology program is one of the busiest in Calgary. The hospital has a 35-bed cardiology ward and seven-bed CCU. Prior to the change, it operated like most across the country, although it did have support from nurse practitioners, including Clark. But when the nurse practitioners weren’t on shift, the unit was dependent on extenders and clinical assistants to cover the load. These clinicians came and went, covering shifts in hospitals around the city. According to Teresa Thurber, the executive director of critical care and women’s health at RGH, although care was excellent, it was difficult to ensure there was consistency and aroundthe-clock expertise for patients.
This new model has solved these issues. Eight nurse practitioners with specialized training in cardiology look after the unit. There is always one, and often two, of these highly educated professionals on duty. They work in conjunction with a consulting cardiologist to ensure the critically ill patients have what they need. These professionals are responsible for the first line of care in the unit doing everything from assessments and urgent bedside consults to diagnostics and treatments. The nurse practitioners are also the first point of contact between the emergency department and the unit and provide cardiology consults for the emergency team. “This creates consistency and continuity in coverage,” says Thurber, noting despite the fact that the supporting
