Sals Star of the Week: Dawn Barker! Introduced by Donna Lee Samson
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Dawn Barker, RN in the Cardiac Clinics as my Sals Star of the Week. Dawn has been a RN at St. Boniface Hospital since 1994 and has been part of the Cardiac Clinics since 2008. Dawn has worked in all areas of our clinics but has a deep passion for the Heart Failure patient population. As we have needed to change our model of care, especially during the pandemic, Dawn has always put patients first, doing whatever she can to advocate for them, listen to their concerns and provide the reassurance they need during this very uncertain time. Dawn makes every effort to return every patient phone call by the end of the day, often staying way past the end of her shift to do so. She will always make room for that extra patient in clinic or those that need an urgent visit to ensure we can keep them out of hospital and home with their family.
Her citation as a Sals Star comes from her most recent outstanding effort. Over these past few weeks, we have experienced some last-minute staffing challenges and Dawn stepped up to the plate to accomplish the work of 3 nurses in one and keep the Heart Failure clinic running smoothly. Her determination, stamina and passion for patient care is what makes Dawn a truly remarkable nurse, team member and all-around great person. Thank you Dawn for all you do for the Cardiac Clinics and our cardiac patients.
Transitions
Karen Throndson retired from her position as Clinical Nurse Specialist from the WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program (CSP) as of Friday. We will miss her for her contributions to the development of the Cardiac Sciences community and as a colleague and friend.
Karen transitioned to St. Boniface Hospital in 2017 from HSC, where she also worked as a CNS for Cardiac Sciences. Karen has been involved in the development of several programs, including the virtual Manitoba Thoracic Aortic Clinic (MTAC), the Aortic Stenosis re-design project and the Bridge to Home Collaborative. She also has been an invaluable member of our team as co-chair for the Standards Committee.
The Heart Team initiative has been an important step in promoting the synergistic interactions between Surgery and Cardiology- the driving principle in the creation of Cardiac Science. Karen had an integral role in the development of this initiative and specifically in the development and implementation of the Terms of References and Standard Works that are the main vehicles for mediating change through the Heart Team Committee.
Karen has previously held nursing roles in the cardiac Cath lab, critical care, high-risk anesthesia, and as a clinical education facilitator and research and teaching assistant with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba.
Karen is the lead co-author of several publications, has provided numerous scholarly presentations, is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, and has participated in quality assurance projects throughout her career. Her knowledge of the CSP combined with her experience and education have been of crucial benefit to both patients and staff throughout the region.
We will miss her and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Awards
Congratulations to Lorraine Avery, Al Wiebe, Kristy Rebenchuk, Shuangbo Liu, Sonia Udod, and Gayle Halas who were successful in receiving a George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation’s “Preparing for Research by Engaging Public & Patient Partners Award” for $4000.00. March 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 for their project titled “Addressing Barriers to Maintain Heart Health Following a Heart Attack for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness.”
