From arrhythmia to rhythm: Empowering equine nurses in cardiac patient support and conversion procedures
Tracks
Stream Three - Plaza P3 & P4
| Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
| Plaza P3 & P4 |
Overview
Gemma Murphy
Speaker
Ms Gemma Murphy
South Metropolitan Tafe
From arrhythmia to rhythm: Empowering equine nurses in cardiac patient support and conversion procedures
Abstract
Abstract:
Cardiac care in equine patients is advancing rapidly, with procedures such as Transvenous Electrical Cardioversion (TVEC) becoming more accessible in specialised settings. As these sophisticated interventions become more common, the equine veterinary nurse's role is evolving from supportive to central in delivering high quality care for horses with arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions.
This presentation will explore the equine nurse’s integral role in managing cardiac patient. From recognising clinical signs of arrhythmias and preparing patients for advanced diagnostics (ECG, echocardiography), to assisting with the setup, monitoring, and recovery of patients undergoing cardioversion techniques including TVEC and pharmacological methods.
Reflecting the VNCA 2025 theme "Waves of change - empowering our profession," this session champions the expanding scope of equine nurses as essential members of the cardiology and internal medicine team. By equipping nurses with advanced skills and confidence to support complex cases, we are not only improving patient outcomes but also empowering nurses to lead clinical excellence where their expertise is pivotal in every heartbeat.
Cardiac care in equine patients is advancing rapidly, with procedures such as Transvenous Electrical Cardioversion (TVEC) becoming more accessible in specialised settings. As these sophisticated interventions become more common, the equine veterinary nurse's role is evolving from supportive to central in delivering high quality care for horses with arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions.
This presentation will explore the equine nurse’s integral role in managing cardiac patient. From recognising clinical signs of arrhythmias and preparing patients for advanced diagnostics (ECG, echocardiography), to assisting with the setup, monitoring, and recovery of patients undergoing cardioversion techniques including TVEC and pharmacological methods.
Reflecting the VNCA 2025 theme "Waves of change - empowering our profession," this session champions the expanding scope of equine nurses as essential members of the cardiology and internal medicine team. By equipping nurses with advanced skills and confidence to support complex cases, we are not only improving patient outcomes but also empowering nurses to lead clinical excellence where their expertise is pivotal in every heartbeat.
Biography
Gemma is a Registered Equine Veterinary Nurse and lecturer in animal studies and has been in the veterinary industry for over 15 years, moving over from Scotland in 2013. She has worked in both large and small animal practice but always makes her way back to the large animal side! She has a keen interest in all areas of equine practice but enjoys equine surgical cases especially soft tissue surgeries along with emergency and critical care. She also has a strong interest in teaching and delivering her knowledge and skills to the next generation of veterinary nurses entering the profession, even after so many years in the industry she finds that there is always something new to learn!
