Adele Derosenroll, RN, BSCN, CVAA(c), VA-BC

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

Courtney Budgell

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I got involved in the GDG project to expand my knowledge of guideline development and vascular access.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

Something that I've learned so far is that there isn't always evidence available to answer questions that nurses have about vascular access and infusion therapy.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I'm most excited about the new USGPIV/DIVA section as this is something I'd like to introduce in my practice area and having the guidance from the guidelines will be super helpful.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

When I'm not working, I keep busy playing taxi for my 4 teenagers!

·Anything else you want to share.

Being part of the GDG group has been a great experience. I've learned so much!

Madeleine Ashcroft

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I got involved with this project when I saw the call for interest. I have been a certified member of CVAA since 1997, prior to moving to Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) in 2000, and I have always appreciated the strong connections between vascular access and IPAC. I applied because I realize how important the CVAA Guidelines are to anyone who deals with vascular access in Canada, especially nurses, and I wanted to make sure that the most recent Canadian IPAC guidance was incorporated.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

I have learned how very complex best practices have become, and how to diligently and effectively sort through research and other published guidance documents to ensure we are using the most recent evidence. My deep admiration for the rest of the project team has grown progressively as we discuss the nuances of current best practices, and everyone shares their amazing experience.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am most passionate about the infection prevention and control aspects of the guidelines and delighted to be part of the group to formally introduce ANTT® to Canadian nurses.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

When not working on this project, I volunteer for IPAC Canada, currently as Director of Standards and Guidelines and representative to the Canadian Nurses Association’s Canadian Network of Nursing Specialties. I love to see the power of nurses working together! I work part-time now and look after my grandson a few days a week and enjoy walking, reading, and paddling my canoe whenever possible.

Anything else you want to share.

I hope everyone will see the value of these new Guidelines – the reliable Canadian resource that addresses all aspects of vascular therapy in an easily accessible manner. It has been a labour of love for us!

Alana Aquino

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I got involved with this project as I thought it would be a neat opportunity to learn about the guideline development process. It is something I had no experience with and thought it would help me grow and develop as a nurse and clinician.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

How much work it is! But seriously, the effort that goes into making an evidence based, high quality product. The level of detail and teamwork that is required is unparalleled and has definitely opened my eyes. It has given me a whole other level of appreciation for those working in publishing/academia full time.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

The new ultrasound guided section is going to be great. It is a skill that while best practice, isn’t overly standardized in many workplaces from my experience. I hope that this section will encourage practitioners to level up their skills and abilities and corporations to invest in training and tools that staff need to strive for best vascular access care for all.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

I recently moved to my dream home with my family so have been enjoying the nice weather in the backyard and in the pool. I coach Crossfit classes when I have the time as well and love being part of a community of people striving to be their best inside and outside of the gym.

Brenda Gray 

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

This is my "swan song" as my career draws to a close. I want to leave a legacy of promoting best practices. About 12 years ago, I went from being a clinician to care for lines to also being a patient who has a long-term line. The view from the other end of the tubing was scary. I committed then to sharing the lessons I learned from both ends of the tubing with other clinicians. The opportunity came up to combine that with my clinical skills and help develop the first set of pan-Canadian guidelines and now to be part of the updates. As my health challenges continue, it is not an easy task to commit to, but I have been honored to be able to do what I can to help improve the care provided to others and by others.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

There is so little evidence and so many opinions. My work takes me to many practices, and I see and hear this over and over but working with the GDG I really understood it. So often things are done because "we have always done it this way." Then someone else speaks up because they have always done it another way. Ultimately it is found that neither can be proven right or wrong. So, we look to the evidence and discuss the options to try to find the current best way in hopes of a future where we can find the right way.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am most passionate about the parts impacting long-term lines. For a patient who requires a long-term line, this becomes truly the life line. How well this access can be managed to prevent complications can have such a huge impact not only on quality of life but on being alive. I am so excited when I get questions on the Guidelines or hear how peers are using the Guidelines because I know that we are making a difference and improving care for so many.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

Many CVAA members and colleagues know my service dogs and how much I love them. My life is not only safer with them but also better. I spend a lot of my "free" time with them and rewarding their hard work with some solid play time.

Anything else you want to share.

I want to thank my GDG and CVAA peers for making this project so meaningful. When I struggled as health deteriorated, my GDG peers picked up the pieces and kept pressing on. When I would get discouraged or overwhelmed, so many CVAA peers would share how the Guidelines improved their practice which renews my passion and energy. Thank you all.

Tracey Hagan-O’Connor

· Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I was involved in the 2019 CVAA Guidelines and learned how guidelines are made, how to grade and evaluate references, and how guidelines/standards are used to establish best practices and policies and procedures. I also had the chance to meet expert vascular access clinicians from across the country. We learned from each other, including compromise and negotiation! When the opportunity came to be involved in updating the CVAA Guidelines for 2024, I agreed to be part of it again for these reasons, plus it gives me the opportunity to ensure my province (PEI) maintains adherence to best practice. Being involved ensures I stay up-to-date on these practices as I am the Vascular Access Coordinator and a PICC inserting RN for PEI at our largest acute care hospital and small community hospitals. It can be frustrating and tiring at times, but I have learned so much and enjoyed the discussions. Even when I was snowed in and delayed across the country for an extra couple of days!!! Everyone involved is committed to providing best care and it’s very inspiring.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

I have learned compromise and how working together across our country with the many experts can establish great things. I have gained confidence in myself regarding my practice and also in contributing to the discussion. I always learn from the experts around the table. I find being involved gives me the learning opportunity to read the other vascular access and infusion therapy guidelines in detail and then I bring these details back to the group discussion, but also to my professional practice.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am always passionate about VADs, specifically CVAD insertion and maintenance, as this has been the focus of most of my nursing career. I am excited to have clear Canadian Guidelines, especially the new Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT®), DIVA and ultrasound guidance sections. I believe the 2024 CVAA Guidelines are clearer with our formatting of charts and bullet formats.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

I enjoy spending time with my family and going to our beautiful PEI beaches in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.

Anything else you want to share.

As an RN and a vascular access coordinator I want all patients/clients to have the best possible care.… like I would want my family and friends to receive. The CVAA Guidelines help to ensure we provide those standards across the country. The detail and work it takes to complete the Guidelines is phenomenal, but the time commitment and experience has been outstanding. Its an excellent group to be a part of.

Emily Higgins

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I joined the Guidelines Development Group to deepen my understanding of the evidence underpinning our practice standards, so I could effectively communicate 'the why' to clinicians nationwide.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

Through this experience, I've gained valuable insights into infusion practices like therapeutic phlebotomy and home infusion, which I hadn't previously encountered in my own practice.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I'm thrilled about our expanded guidelines, as we used this revision opportunity to add or enhance sections based on the needs identified by our current members.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

This project has been a large undertaking, but in my free time, you can find me at a yoga class or riding my bike through the streets of downtown Toronto.

Jocelyn Hill

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I have been nursing in the hospital setting for over 30 years and am a long-time CVAA member (even when it was CINA). I had the “red book” aka the CINA Book from the late 1990s. When I got on the CVAA Board of Directors in 2010, one of my main goals was to push for new, evidence-based guidelines and then when I became CVAA President, we worked hard to publish the CVAA Occlusion Management Guidelines (2019). The next step was the larger scope Guidelines and I have leveraged my extensive clinical experience and knowledge in policy/guideline development to join the GDG. I have been an active member of the GDG since the beginning.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

What stands out most is that there is a significant lack of research and high-level evidence in our specialty of vascular access and infusion therapy. But yet, it is essential we teach and practice “the right way” and the “right thing”. Clinicians on the front lines need guidance and they turn to CVAA for that. I feel there is an obligation for CVAA and the GDG to provide that.

Secondly, working with a large group, especially in our mostly virtual capacity, is VERY challenging. I have learned how to be more patient and listen to opinions that are not necessarily what I agree with and how to find “middle ground”, keeping best practice and quality patient care as the goals.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

The new sections for Blood Products, Antineoplastics and Ultrasound Guided PIVs.

These are sections we did not have in the 2019 edition, and they are relevant to clinical practice today so I hope that what we put out for these new sections will be informative and helpful.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

Family time with my husband, kids and aging parents. I love gardening; my garden is my haven, and I am out there as much as possible. I am also the crazy mom watching my son play baseball, soccer and basketball.

CVAA has come a long way from the days when it was CINA. I am a proud member (with CVAA certification!). I want to stay involved and ensure CVAA continues to grow and be highly regarded and respected within the vascular access and infusion therapy world.

Catherine Hunt 

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I am always striving to better my knowledge and practice to ensure patients receive the best care possible. When I heard CVAA wanted to include members that have hands on experience in various aspects of vascular access to enhance the new guidelines, I was greatly excited to seize this opportunity not only to work alongside these very intelligent members, but to learn how their dedication and experiences have helped them work towards all of our common goal; provide what is best for the patient.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

The importance of consensus and precision of wording throughout each chapter.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

It’s a toss up between ANTT and CASI

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

Enjoying time with family and friends or outdoors hiking and kayaking.

Elizabeth McMurray

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I became involved as an industry partner because I have a passion for advancing nursing practice and patient outcomes through the use of evidence-based best practice guidelines.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

How much technology has advanced in a short period of time and as a result has improved patient outcomes.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am most excited for the new chapters that highlight important patient populations such as those receiving biological therapy, as they have unique needs and considerations.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

Ins my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, knitting, and getting outside a much as I can.

Kristie Naayer

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

Being involved in the Guidelines that were published in 2019 was an absolute honour! I couldn’t imagine not continuing to be involved in the creation of such an important and valuable document for our Canadian clinicians. So many things have changed over the last 5 years, that I wanted to make sure that we were capturing what we originally intended in 2019, but with the updated evidence of the last 5 years.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

I learn something every meeting we have! We all come from a variety of environments and areas of healthcare that it is easy to learn something from everyone involved. What I see in B.C. isn’t necessarily how the whole country does things and it is interesting to get to see what the nation does, rather than just the small area you might be in.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I’m excited about the fact that we emphasized vessel health and preservation even more in this document. This needs to be top of mind for every clinician and I think these Guidelines give clinicians ways to understand that concept and put it into practice even more than before.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

My free time is spent with my family, in my garden and with my dog! (Not necessarily in that order lol!)

Anything else you want to share.

I am immensely proud to be a Canadian clinician and to have Guidelines that recognize our worth and value in Canada and hold us to a very high standard.

Michelle Pothier

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

As a life-long community health nurse currently working in professional practice, I really appreciate having the CVAA Guidelines and Tools when I am developing policy and education – when the opportunity came to be part of the GDG 2.0 project I was very interested to have the opportunity to be a ‘voice’ for community health nurse and hopefully address some of the infusion therapy gaps that still exist in home care.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

I have learned A LOT! I thought I was pretty well versed in all aspects of home care related infusion therapy but working with this group of remarkable experts has really been a privilege and expanded my understanding to a new level.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am very excited that the new CVAA guidelines are going to include guidance surrounding the “First Dose” of a parenteral medication in the community – work which I have been working on with another committee with leads from other Service Provider Organizations.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

I am a very athletic person – participating in triathlons (swim, cycle, run) in the summer and speedskating in the winter. I had the privilege of qualifying for Team Canada as an age group athlete to compete in the World Triathlon Championships in Montreal a couple of years ago.

Anything else you want to share. I was just awarded the Community Health Nurses of Canada (CHNC) Award of Merit for 2024, which came as a huge surprise and was truly humbling: https://www.paramed.com/blog/community-health-nurses-of-canada-2024-award-of-merit-presented-to-parameds-michelle-pothier/#:~:text=Please%20join%20us%20in%20congratulating,on%20June%2025th%2C%202024. Or: News (chnc.ca)

Daphne Broadhurst

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

Hey everyone! I'm thrilled to be back working with an amazing collaboration of pan-Canadian clinicians. Together, we've accomplished so much to help improve patient care and expand our own knowledge. It's been a wild ride, but thanks to Melissa's incredible leadership, we've pulled it off again! And this time, our guidelines are even better with the addition of new chapters.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

The most rewarding part of this process has been turning mountains of research into practical, actionable recommendations that make sense for Canadian clinicians. It's like slowly turning a complex intricate puzzle into a clear and comprehensive picture of vascular access and infusion therapy in Canada.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

Ultrasound is the one technology that has most revolutionized my practice of 3+ decades. I'm so excited that CVAA is dedicating a new chapter to ultrasound-guided PIVCs. Imagine a world where nurses can achieve first-stick success more consistently, leading to longer catheter dwell times, fewer unnecessary CVADs-- and happier patients. Let’s set a new standard for vascular access!

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

When I'm not immersed in guidelines, you'll find me hanging out at our cottage, a labour of love that my hubby and I have been building over the last 20 years, to entice our two children away from New York City on holidays and our third to spend weekends with us. There's no place I'd rather be than here with my family, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I write this profile as I sit on our dock with my beloved pup in my lap, listening to the loons and watching 19 ducks chase each other round. It's the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

Carmen Cernusca

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

As a member of the original 2019 CVAA Guidelines, I wanted to continue the work that we started. It was a great experience for me, and I hoped to be able to bring even more insight and experience to the revision.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

I’ve learned that the revision work is much more complex than I thought it would be! 😉

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am excited about the new integration of Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT®) content into the 2024 CVAA Guidelines.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

I spend my free time golfing in the summer and curling in the winter.

Chanda MacDonald

Why did you get involved in this GDG project?

I am motivated to help my learners effectively apply their knowledge and skills. Most of my career was in critical care, with the last 11 years as an educator. I see the importance of caring for the patient with vascular access as much as it is to maintain an effective airway. I am a strong advocate to ensure best practice was always at the forefront on every aspect of care, especially vascular access and infusion therapy. Working on the GDG provided an opportunity to work at the National level so I could ensure best practice was standardized to significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce complications, and enhance the overall quality of healthcare and ultimately improve patient safety and satisfaction. By bringing together healthcare professionals from different organizations and backgrounds, we can share best practices, identify common challenges, and work towards developing standardized guidelines and protocols leading to continual learning and improvement in this important aspect of patient care.

What is something you've learned through this process so far?

Collaborating with other professionals in this area of practice and having the opportunity to communicate the various practices that currently exist, I have learned that it is key to have a strong working relationship with key stakeholders committed to improving the quality of care provided in the CVAA guidelines. This collaborative approach strengthens relationships with our partners. I have also learned to not be afraid to be a change agent. One will not fail if it is benefiting the patient and when it makes sense for positive outcomes.

What part/section of the new Guidelines are you most excited or passionate about?

I am very pleased with the added sections in the 2024 guidelines, more so the addition of Ultrasound—Guided technology used for successful PIV insertions. This improves quality and safe practice for patients as it reduces the number of ‘sticks’ and minimizes risk for infection. These guidelines will provide the recommendations on how to ensure knowledge review and skill development is successful.

When not working on this project, tell us something about how you spent your free time.

I spend my free time camping with my much-loved RV. I love to travel to warm places and spending time with my kids who are just as adventurous as me.