In our New Member Spotlight feature, we introduce you to some of the newest members to join CVAA.Meet Alicia!

What is your current role/institution?

I am the new Clinical Education Supervisor at Paramed Home Health in London, ON.

Why did you join CVAA?

I joined CVAA because my new role involves training of community nurses on IV initiation and care and maintenance of venous access devices. I have a goal to significantly increase the number of nurses with the skills of IV initiation and venous access care and management within our organization in order to meet the needs of our community clients. I want to ensure that I have access to the most current information and resources when I am providing education and training and I am confident that being a member of CVAA will provide that support. I am planning to write the certification exam soon.

What features of membership are you looking forward to utilizing?

I am excited for the release of the Canadian practice guidelines also so that I can share them with my organization and ensure that current best practices are adopted by the nurses. I am also excited to incorporate the educational resources and videos available on the website into the education material we currently use for teaching.  

Why are you passionate about vascular access/infusion therapy?

I have attended CVAA education events in the past as a visiting nurse in the community and I found them to be very educational and well presented. I am passionate about vascular access/infusion therapy because our clients often require this care in the community and in order to ensure clients remain safe and can successfully receive their therapy and treatments at home, they require care that is evidence based and nurses who are knowledgeable to provide that care.

How did you spend your summer?

This summer I enjoyed the warm weather and spending time with my 2 boys, Chase and Kai, doing some family camping and long weekend getaways, as well as spending time at our cottage in Port Franks.