In recognition of Vascular Nurses Week (Sept. 8-14), Vascular Specialist spoke with Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN) President Karen Bauer, DNP. Bauer is a clinical assistant professor, lead vascular and wound surgery advanced practice provider (APP) and director of Vascular and Wound Services at the University of Toledo Physicians.
What does being a vascular nurse mean to you?
I am honored to be among such a diverse group of high-quality clinicians. Vascular nursing allows so many touchpoints with patients and provides opportunities to not only manage their vascular diseases, but to impact their lifestyles and overall happiness and well-being. As a vascular nurse/advanced practice nurse (APN), I get to engage with such a broad range of other professionals and, while vascular nursing can be mastered, there is always more to learn. I love the challenge!
Why do you think it is important that Vascular Nurses Week is celebrated?
Vascular nurses are crucial members of healthcare teams across so many different roles, which unfortunately is something that is often overlooked. We are positioned perfectly to positively affect the health and well-being of our patients and our teams, and that deserves some recognition. To recognize vascular nurses is to recognize great patient care.
How long have you been in the vascular field?
My first love was wound care, which integrates organically with the vascular field. I have been doing wound care for over 16 years, discovered my passion for limb salvage about eight years ago, and expanded my knowledge and skill set in vascular surgery about five years ago.
Why are you passionate about vascular care?
Small victories make for big wins in our field. I love the challenge and joy of figuring out how to meet my patients where they are and help them better understand both their disease process and how to prevent additional disease or other sequelae of it. The sheer happiness and pride I get to see on the faces of patients when they close a wound, or have improved leg pain, or successfully navigate new diets and exercises regimens, is endlessly fulfilling.
Tell us about a specific patient story that stands out when you think of a favorite vascular nursing memory.
All patients are special to me, but one patient that stands out was an older gentleman with a severe diabetic foot ulcer and concurrent peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who was told he would end in amputation after his initial emergent debridement/revascularization. I love a good challenge. He trusted our team, and while it took almost a year total of countless visits, diagnostics and surgeries, his ulcer closed, and he was able to dance at his granddaughter’s wedding. What was most striking throughout our journey together, still, was his willingness to be vulnerable and share with us his life stories as well as his family, who always attended visits with him. He is my constant reminder that our patients are human first and deserve our undivided attention.
During Vascular Nurses Week, SVN invites Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) members to give the gift of membership to their nurses and nurse practitioners. SVN membership offers valuable benefits, including a journal subscription, educational resources and leadership opportunities. Learn more at svnnet.org/page/VascularNursesWeek.
