"We need to focus more on the connection between the first and second line"

As a cardiology nurse practitioner, Margot van der Salm works with patients on a daily base. A good example of the variety of backgrounds of the leadership program-participants. How did she hear about the program? And what does she think of the program so far? "I think that the combination of our practical, applied view with the scientific view of the people in the third line is very valuable for the ultimate realization of the DCVA's objective. And this also describes directly why it is good if more nurse practitioners are involved.”

How did you first hear about the DCVA Leadership Program?
“I came across the call in the newsletter of the Dutch Association for Cardiovascular Nurses. I immediately thought that this program is very interesting and relevant for me.”

The kick-off meeting and the three days of training have now been completed. What did you think of this?
“Most of the program so far is in line with my wishes and expectations. Especially the part about getting feedback on yourself and learning how to handle conversations are very useful to me. There is a big variety in backgrounds of the different people who participate in this program. This is a huge advantage and valuable for our network, but it also creates a challenge in the examples that are given during the three days. This could perhaps be better tailored to all participants.”

Would you recommend the program to others?
“I definitely recommend this program to others. As a nurse practitioner, you are involved in patient care in practice. However, it is extremely valuable to develop yourself further. As a nurse specialist, I am a huge doer and I like to put my effort into beautiful projects. However, what I lack, are good leadership skills. This program gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and acquire skills in leadership and project management in a multidisciplinary environment. The program really takes you out of your comfort zone. It is really a unique opportunity to position yourself better as a nurse practitioner and to develop further.”

What do you bring for the DCVA?
“As a nurse practitioner I am working in both the first and second line, I really do hands-on work. I think that's a good contribution. In addition, I really believe in more connection between the first and second line. We need to focus more on that and I would like to propagate that within the DCVA and during this program. The aim of the DCVA is of course to reduce the burden of disease. To achieve that, you have to look beyond just the third line. There should be more focus on the connection between all lines. As a nurse practitioner, you are involved in daily practice. I think that the combination of our practical, applied view with the scientific view of the people in the third line is very valuable for the ultimate realization of the DCVA's objective. And this also describes directly why it is good if more nurse practitioners are involved.”

What does the DCVA Leadership Program bring you?
“For me, the DCVA Leadership Program brings personal development. In addition, it is very valuable for my network. You expand your network and it is now easier to get in touch with people from other professions. It is valuable to also gain more insight from those other people into how things are done in their areas and what does or does not work. It is a luxury to have access to so many different partners and areas of work through the DCVA.”

When is the leadership program successful for you?
“For me, the Leadership Program is successful when I have achieved my personal development goals. And of course we are also working on a complex health-care problem, formulated by the partners of the DCVA about cardiac rehabilitation. I really want to make an effort to put the knowledge I gain while working on this issue directly into practice in the cardiac rehabilitation region of Haaglanden. In that way I can directly contribute.”