Christina, can you tell us about your previous work with the Stroke Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)?

I was working with the Regional Stroke Program as one of the Clinical stroke nurses approximately three years ago while I was completing my Masters in Public Health and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Electives. My role included staff support, education for patients, families and staff, data collection, policy and procedures and support at Code Strokes.

What are the goals for the Stroke Nurse Practitioner pilot position?

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) pilot position was created to help expand the role of the clinical stroke nurse. The clinical stroke nurse is a vital position in this program. As a NP, I have the additional ability to help with admissions, discharges and transfers. This includes writing orders and prescriptions, as well as giving report to transferring physicians to help expedite patient flow. Reducing length of stay to keep in the parameters is a top goal. Being able to help the Neurologists when they are in clinic or at a Code Stroke helps to decrease any pending issues. As this is a new role, there will be many more tasks and ideas that will be realized on the job, and I am up to the challenge to build this role to the best of my potential.

When should a physician or other medical professional get in touch with you?

I am in close contact with the Neurologists and have a great relationship with them. Other disciplines can reach out to me with stroke questions and concerns at any time. Currently, my working hours are Monday to Friday, 0730-1530.

How can you be reached?

I can be reached at my office number 684-6710 and through Switchboard.