Welcome to the Nurses Section of BHRS

As arrhythmia nurse specialists we have extensive experience in various aspects of arrhythmia management within tertiary and secondary centres. We have established local services and hold qualifications fulfilling advanced nursing practice requirements. As representatives for the BHRS our goal is to promote national recognition for the knowledge and skills of arrhythmia nurses working across all settings and to raise the profile of the valuable work that we do in improving patient care.

To achieve this we pledge to provide you with access to educational resources and share knowledge and opportunities for personal development. We endeavour to be a national voice for arrhythmia nurses and ensure that we get representation for our profession at a national level. Networking, sharing best practice and promoting educational opportunities are our main goal. For any arrhythmia nurses who are working alone or are just setting up services as arrhythmia nurses we would encourage to reach out so that we can help and support you where possible.

If you have any interesting new service developments, you would like to share we would love to hear from you. We would also love to hear if you have any publications.

Following the success of our recent nurses day at the BHRS symposium we are working towards setting up regular meetings for BHRS nurse members and exploring other opportunities to network more efficiently. If you would like to be involved please email either Catherine, Anya or Bridgette on the given email addresses.

MEMBERS ONLY

Your BHRS Arrhythmia Nurse Council Representatives

Catherine Laventure
Catherine LaventureLead Nurse for Cardiology (Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist)
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

I am now Lead Nurse for Cardiology at NWAFT having previously specialised and launched the Acute Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist Role within a busy DGH. Having completed my BHRS accreditation and Arrhythmia module, I have also completed an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, and was responsible for developing a Nurse Led ILR service, AF clinic and DC Cardioversion service.

My current roles with BHRS have enabled me to network at a national level and to explore opportunities to support the development and education of arrhythmia nurse roles.

Having qualified at The Royal London Hospital in 1992, my experiences prior to this role include Cardiothoracic, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Interventional cardiology

Anya Murray
Anya MurrayArrhythmia Nurse Specialist
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead

I have 20 years experience as a Cardiology Nurse starting my career in Cardiology at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I have been an arrhythmia nurse specialist for the last 17 years working at The James Cook Hospital in Middlesborough, then setting up an arrhythmia nurse service at the Bristol Heart Institute before moving to The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. I am currently an arrhythmia nurse specialist at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead where I have been for the last 8 years and have set up nurse led arrhythmia clinics and an inpatient acute assessment service and am currently setting up a nurse led ILR service. I am passionate about arrhythmia care and education and am currently in my final year of a Masters programme in Advanced Clinical Practice.

Bridgette Smith
Bridgette SmithArrhythmia Clinical Nurse Specialist
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

I have worked within the field of cardiology for 16 years and am presently working as an Arrhythmia Clinical Nurse Specialist within Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust; supporting both EP and complex device patient. I am a non-medical prescriber and run a nurse-led ILR implant/explant service. I am passionate advocate of education and have experience in training, education, supervision and assessment. I have achieved my BHRS accreditation and I am involved in a voluntary nurse-led patient support email service for people with PoTS.

BHRS Education Committee Nurse Reps

  • Bridgette Smith
    Arrhythmia Clinical Nurse Specialist
    Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Dr. Angela Hall
    Consultant Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist
    Jersey

BHRS Accreditation Reps

  • Catherine Laventure
    Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist
    West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust

  • Anya Murray
    ArrhythmiaNurse Specialist
    Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead

  • Jane Bowes
    Lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice
    Teeside University

BHRS Clinical Exam

BHRS Accreditation for Arrhythmia Nurses

As of this year there is now a separate exam for arrhythmia Nurses to undertake which is fully accredited by the BHRS and can be accredited by the University of Teesside as 30 credits Masters level. If you undertake the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at Teesside University you can use the exam as one module. We are exploring the possibility of other universities also supporting this. Accreditation demonstrates that an arrhythmia nurse is working at a level which is recognised nationally and can be used to demonstrate a level of expertise across the UK.

The exam is online and has 120 questions covering all aspects of arrhythmia management. Syllabus includes:

  • Arrhythmias; Clinical Characteristics, diagnosis, ECG interpretation and management

  • Syncope; Diagnosis and treatment

  • Pharmacology and non-medical prescribing

  • Risk stratification for thromboembolism in AF and anticoagulation

  • EP studies

  • Devices

While we recognise that not all arrhythmia nurses will have exposure to all these subjects in their everyday working environment we would strongly advise that some time is given to visiting other centres to gain some experience. While there is no formal teaching BHRS regularly shares educational opportunities and presentations and teaching sessions are often provided by industry.

As well as successfully completing the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS) nurses paper, students are expected to submit two written pieces of work in order to gain BHRS accreditation. The student is required to submit two X 2,500 word case studies which are based upon two different aspects of arrhythmia management. The case studies should incorporate all aspects of the patient journey and students will be expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in assessment, investigation, management and holistic care of patients with arrhythmias / at risk of developing arrhythmias.

Case studies should be focussed on patients requiring:

  • Implantable cardiac devices or;

  • Electrophysiology procedures or;

  • Pharmacological management

Each case study should be based on a different patient and a different aspect of arrhythmia management. For example: case study one could focus on a patient requiring an electrophysiology procedure and case study two could focus on a patient who is managed with pharmacological treatment.

Within the case studies the student should: 

  • Demonstrate accurate interpretation of pathophysiology, relating to the element of arrhythmia management chosen. This must be provided throughout.

  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate and synthesise diverse knowledge of arrhythmia management and evidence and apply this within the case studies.

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of the legal, ethical and professional issues and integrate into discussion.

  • Provide discussion demonstrating a systematic and critical understanding of treatment options based upon current best evidence / national guidance and policy (this can include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies).

  • Adhere to the formatting guidelines provided.

  • Adhere to the specified guidelines for presentation and referencing.

  • Adhere to policy for confidentiality and consent Learning Outcomes 1.

  • Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of arrhythmia management.

SUBMISSION SHOULD BE WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF COMPLETING THE EXAM

The cost of the exam is £350. Accredited Nurses will be provided with a certificate and badge in recognition of their achievement.

Arrhythmia Nurse Presentations

ECG Expert-ease!

Steve Murray – Freeman Hospital

Introduction to Complex Pacemakers

Kay Elliott – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - Introduction to Complex Pacemakers

Arrhythmias & Coping

Helen Eftekhari – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Arrhythmias & Coping

Atrial Fibrillation

Kay Elliot – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presention - Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiology Syncope/Transient Loss of Consciousness

Helen Eftekhari – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - Cardiology Syncope/Transient Loss of Conciousness

Devices

Helen Eftekhari – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - Devices

Cardiac Electrophysiology & Ablation

Helen Eftekhari – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presention - Cardiac Electrophyiology & Ablation

ECG: Tracing of the Heart’s Electrical Activity

Helen Eftekhari – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - ECG

Anticoagulation

Angela Hall – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - Anticoagulation

Update on Arrhythmia Management

Angela Hall – Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist

Presentation - Update on Arrhythmia Management
Icon

OUR MEMBERS SAY

British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS) membership provides up to date information, supports continuing professional development and allows networking opportunities for professionals involved in the provision of high quality arrhythmias care for patients in the UK.

Membership is open to consultants, nurses, physiologists and other allied professionals involved in providing arrhythmia care.

Jason Collinson

BHRS provides a fantastic central resource so we can share ideas and support each other within arrhythmia care

JASON COLLINSON
Angela Hall

The BHRS provides an invaluable section specific to Arrhythmia Nurses where we have access to protocols, guidelines, policies, presentations and training opportunities

ANGELA HALL
Dr Kim Rajappan

Its incredibly invaluable to our field to have access to a multidisciplinary council with the ability to raise concerns and voice opinons

KIM RAJAPPAN