An experienced cardiac nurse academic will challenge the role and clinical decision-making of nurses helping patients after heart attacks.

Sonja Cleary, of Central Queensland University, has chosen a hypothetical patient scenario for her presentation to the Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand in Perth this week (August 5-8).

Ms Cleary said her presentation would address some pertinent issues in the management of rural/regional clients with cardiovascular disease.

“When a client experiences chest pain and is admitted to hospital ... the journey they take from admission to discharge and beyond is often disjointed and frightening.

“Nurses have traditionally viewed client management and the journey they take as being directed by the medical profession.

“Although this is true, it is interesting to note that all through the journey, the cardiac client will see nurses,” she said.

Ms Cleary said she hoped her presentation would help participants explore new communication channels and processes.

The Bundaberg-based academic plans to repeat her presentation for nurses in her home region in coming weeks.

Sonja Cleary has been a nursing lecturer at Central Queensland University since 2001. Her current role includes face to face teaching of undergraduate nurses and post graduate coronary care and catheter laboratory nursing courses via distance education. Prior to this Ms Cleary was the Angioplasty nurse specialist at the Prince Charles Hospital. She has been an Affiliate member of the CSANZ since 1997 and has been active in promotion of the CSANZ as the Queensland nurses’ representative on a number of occasions. She has presented research based papers in 1998 (Perth), 1999, and 2001. Ms Cleary is currently a member of the Cardiovascular Nurses Working Party representing rural cardiac nurses.