| Member Spotlight |
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Member spotlight
The Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN) aims to highlight our members who are making a positive impact in their careers as vascular nurses. SVN members work hard every day advancing the care of individuals living with vascular disease and supporting the mission of the Society. Interested in being part of the member spotlight or nominating a peer? Email Moe at mmalek@vascularsociety.org or complete our survey for inclusion! 
Britt mcnamara, NP
SVN Member since February 2024
What is your personal background in vascular nursing (how long have you worked in the vascular field, did you practice something before, etc.)?My first introduction to the vascular field was during NP school. I did a 4 month rotation in the outpatient vascular clinic and the aortic center (combined cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery specializing in aortic aneurysms). I feel in love with the field and applied for a job in the clinic when I graduated and got my license. I got the job and started working in vascular surgery full-time in January 2025.
What is your favorite aspect of vascular nursing?One of the things I love about vascular surgery and vascular nursing is the variety of conditions we treat. The variety of conditions keeps each day interesting. I also appreciate the relationships I have been able to build with my patients. Since many vascular diseases are chronic, I see many of my patients regularly, some as often as weekly. It gives me the chance to celebrate with them when they successfully heal their wounds, quit smoking, or are able to walk again without pain.
What is the most challenging part of your job as a vascular nurse?One of the major challenges I face as a vascular nurse is my inability to help my patients address their socio-economic needs. My department does not have a social worker on staff and many of my patients face housing instability, transportation issues, and issues affording their medications, medical supplies, and food. I am ill-equipped to help them with these needs and that hurts on both a personal and professional level. Have there been changes in your work force? How so?I have not been in the vascular workforce very long so I cannot speak to long term changes in the field. I am excited to see more women surgeons going into the field. There is only one woman attending in my practice currently. However, starting in August all four of the vascular surgery fellows will be women. What are your personal goals within the vascular field (implement protocols, increase patient volume, research, societal involvement, etc.)?In many ways, I am still finding my feet within the vascular field. Therefore, my current goals are centered around strengthening my clinical background and understanding of the thought process behind selecting one intervention over another. I also am very interested in improving the workflow at my clinic and improving access. The wait time for an appointment can be as long 2 months for new patients. Depending on the severity of their disease, that might be too long to wait for optimal clinical outcomes. What is a “fun fact” about yourself that you would like others to know?I am an avid knitter. I knit a cowl for my preceptor after my rotation in vascular surgery as a NP student with a cable pattern that resembled an aorta.
Connect with Britt here! |
8/25/2026
August Member Meetup
9/6/2026 » 9/12/2026
Vascular Nurses Week