Mary Smith RN, VA-BC, Founder/President CVC Health Care, LLC
Mary has been a leading voice in Vascular Access education for over 20 years. She started and managed a Vascular Access Team at her local hospital in Wisconsin that went 14 years without a CLABSI. She then founded CVC Healthcare in 2012 after several years of observing poor practice and identifying the need to educate all who insert and care for devices. She speaks locally, regionally and internationally on topics related to best practice. CVC Health Care has become the largest independent provider of Vascular Access education in the country. Mary lives in Lake Mills, WI and enjoys golfing, travel and spending time with family and friends.
Susan Heins, RN, BSN, VA-BC, Educator
Susan has been practicing Vascular Access for 10 years. Susan is an active member of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) and holds her certification in Vascular Access (VA-BC). She is the current Vice President for the Houston Vascular Access Network (HouVAN). At the Texas Medical Center, she places PICCs, Midlines, and Ultrasound Guided PIVs on adult patients. Susan lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children. Susan enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and is a huge Disney Fan!
Tami Essman, RN, BSN, VA-BC Educator
Tami spent 25 years as the lead Vascular Access Nurse at the Madison, WI VA. She is a member of the Association of Vascular Access and sits on the Board of Directors as President of Wisconsin Vascular Access Network. In addition to placing intravenous devices, she teaches vascular access insertion/complications/care and maintenance. She implemented the Vascular Access Program at the VA and along with the Vascular Access Team has implemented the use of the tip location system for PICC insertion and the use of ultrasound for PIV insertion. She has been recognized as Nurse of Month several times throughout her career at the Madison VA Hospital. Her interests include all Wisconsin sports, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends, family, and Golden Retriever CJ.
