Debra Laurent, MN, ARNP, ACNP is a cardiovascular acute care nurse practitioner affiliated with Swedish Heart & Vascular Institute, where she practices interventional and structural cardiology. In addition, she is also involved in cardiovascular research serving as a sub investigator with multiple cardiovascular projects. She is also affiliated at the University of Washington School of Nursing, Department of Bio Behavioral and Health Care Systems as a Clinic Assistant Professor.  She has given multiple talks and workshops on various cardiovascular topics on local, regional and national levels to a wide audience of nursing and medical providers. Debra earned her BSN at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and MN degree at the University of Washington as a cardiovascular clinical nurse specialist, with a minor in biophysics. A post master's degree was also earned at the University of Washington as an adult nurse practitioner. She is board certified as both an adult and acute care nurse practitioner. She enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends, including hiking, swimming and  skiing, and is a member of the National Ski Patrol at Snoqualmie Summit.

"Mechanical Circulatory Support Today" 

 Shauna Andrus, RN, Mechanical Circulatory Support Coordinator at University of Washington Medical Center

Objectives: Who is a candidate? List Criteria for VAD Candidacy; What can we offer patients today? Name the FDA approved devices most commonly used; Name the top 3 complications of VAD

Shauna Andrus began work at UWMC in 1985 - the year they performed their first heart transplant. She has been fascinated ever since!
Shauna was then chosen to become an Asst Nurse Manager in 1988. This provided her with further experience to work more directly with expanded therapies available to heart patients. She was then asked if she wanted to help with heart, lung transplant donation coordination. 
In 1997 a team of UW staff and physicians traveled to New York to learn about the HeartMate ventricular assist device. She continued to work in the ICU until she was asked to start up a new position as Patient Flow Supervisor. In 2005 she accepted the position of VAD Coordinator to work on a study device - HeartMate II LVAD. Her dream job!

Poster Presentations 1.0 CE