Editorial

RCN Nurse of the Year 2018 does the profession proud

Angela Hall’s innovative work has transformed the care of people with heart conditions
Angela Hall

Angela Hall’s innovative work has transformed the care of people with heart conditions

Her list of achievements in a short time is impressive and breathtaking in equal measure. Arrhythmia nurse specialist Angela Hall, who has been named RCN Nurse of the Year 2018, has transformed the care and lives of people with heart conditions on Jersey through her knowledge, skills and tenacity.

Hundreds of the island’s 100,000 residents have benefited directly from Ms Hall’s groundbreaking work to improve cardiac care. Previously, many people had to wait months before flying or sailing to the UK for treatment, but now they are seen at her nurse-led rapid access clinic within two to four weeks. Follow-up appointments also take place much more quickly.

‘Hundreds of the island’s 100,000 residents have benefited directly from Ms Hall’s groundbreaking work to improve cardiac care’

Ms Hall has taken responsibility for history-taking, clinical assessment, non-medical prescribing, diagnostics, interpretation and management. Patients and their families rave about the improved service, while colleagues marvel at her outstanding care and commitment.

Inspiring nurse innovator

Among her other achievements, Ms Hall introduced a new drug to Jersey General Hospital for people with rapid onset atrial fibrillation. She heard about vernakalant at a conference, researched clinical trials, obtained the support of the hospital’s cardiologist and persuaded the local drugs and therapeutics committee to endorse its use.

Ms Hall was selected from the winners of the clinical categories at this year’s RCNi Nurse Awards. This year, just as every year, the 75 finalists have done the profession proud through their inspiring and innovative work and received the recognition they deserve at a ceremony in London.

Clinical nurse specialist Kellyanne Kinsella, who nominated Ms Hall, sums up her colleague like this: ‘As well as setting up these services, she runs them day-to-day using her advanced skills. She is always available for her patients and loves her job. She is a fantastic example of a nurse innovator who should be celebrated.’

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