what this Event is about
Cardiac disease is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality both in Australia and worldwide. Midwives play a vital role in early detection and intervention, helping to prevent serious injury or death by recognising and addressing cardiac complications promptly.
The Nurses for Nurses Network has provided this unique Seminar in response to compelling global recommendations for our Midwifery Colleagues.
Alignment with Global Recommendations:
International maternal safety initiatives—including those from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and national obstetric bodies—highlight the critical need for ongoing education of midwives in cardiac assessment, maternal collapse, and resuscitation. In response, the Nurses for Nurses Network has partnered with cardiac educator Anne Evans-Murray to deliver targeted support, education, and practical guidance tailored specifically for midwives managing increasingly complex maternal health needs through various learning modalities.
Global data indicate a pressing need for midwives to develop advanced assessment skills to identify early warning signs of cardiovascular deterioration during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. Because symptoms of heart disease often overlap with normal pregnancy changes, experienced midwives must distinguish between typical pregnancy symptoms and those that suggest serious cardiac disorders.
For You to Think About: Do you really need to update your cardiac knowledge?
You might think, “I’m a midwife, not a cardiac nurse.” But before you decide, reflect on these questions to see if this seminar is right for you:
- Did you know cardiac disease is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide—and global recommendations increasingly require midwives to enhance their cardiac knowledge?
- Have you ever encountered a situation where a woman’s cardiac condition was missed or diagnosed late during pregnancy or postpartum?
- How prepared would you be to respond if a woman suddenly became unconscious during labour, but the cardiac monitor showed a normal rhythm? Do you know what this arrhythmia is called and the appropriate steps to take?
- If a patient tells you she’s on antidepressants and sometimes feels faint, do you recognise these as potential red flags for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), a cardiac disorder that is rising in pregnancy and postpartum—and can lead to sudden cardiac death?
- Do you know how to perform a 12-lead ECG and recognise conditions like Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a critical cause of myocardial infarction in younger women that midwives must not miss?
If any of these questions made you pause or say “I’m not sure,” then this seminar is designed for you.
This one-day Cardiac Midwifery seminar provides essential support and guidance for midwives at all levels of experience. Pregnancy places added stress on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart-related complications that require a multidisciplinary response. The emergence of “cardio-obstetrics” or “Pregnancy-Heart Teams” highlights the importance of midwives’ cardiac knowledge—they are key to activating timely team responses when deterioration is recognised.
It is well documented that midwives have not had enough access to cardiac education and support to meet the challenges of managing women with complex pregnancy complications. This seminar addresses these needs by offering current knowledge, practical strategies, and a supportive learning environment.
Pregnant women may develop cardiac problems or have pre-existing conditions that complicate pregnancy. Early identification by midwives can be crucial to preventing maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. By enhancing cardiac assessment skills, midwives can detect potential red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed, enabling earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
Furthermore, this knowledge reduces legal and professional risks by demonstrating an active, informed approach to maternal health—particularly important given the rising incidence of cardiac-related maternal mortality during pregnancy and postpartum.
– Jodie, Telemetry and ECG Interpretation
note
Throughout this seminar, our experienced presenter will guide you using practical demonstrations to help build your cardiac knowledge. You’ll leave the session feeling more confident in recognising signs of cardiac deterioration, with improved skills in assessing patients and referring appropriately to cardiac specialists.
Learning Outcomes
In this seminar, you will:
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- Distinguish between normal symptoms of pregnancy and signs and symptoms that might indicate cardiac complications
- Identify the most common cause of maternal mortality and morbidity and explore the link to life-threatening arrhythmias and antidepressants
- Gain knowledge why preeclampsia as well as lack of recognition of SCAD are both linked to serious cardiac complications
- Gain advanced knowledge and assessment skill which lessens potential legal and professional risks
You will learn:
- To recognise signs and symptoms of cardiovascular complications, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heart rhythms, that require immediate medical attention.
- Recognise abnormal cardiovascular findings and refer women to specialised care promptly, ensuring timely management and improved outcomes.
- Understand the professional and legal aspects of cardiac care during pregnancy, including communication or referral to manage potential risks to maternal and foetal health.
- Identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease and complications during pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and pre-existing heart conditions.
- Gain knowledge in recognition of cardiac deterioration in three clinical scenarios that can occur in pregnancy and postpartum.
- To recognise Atrial Fibrillation on an ECG and understand the significance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce life-threatening deterioration in a pregnant woman.
- Recognise normal sinus rhythm and apply the knowledge to understand the Long QT interval and its associated risk factors in pregnancy.
- Understand how advanced maternal age, antidepressants, and others can lead to a higher incidence of developing life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac disorders.
- Detect early cardiac deterioration by recognising ST elevation on the 12-lead ECG as early recognition leads to a reduction in the incidence of arrhythmias and heart failure.
- To recognise the atypical signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction in a young healthy woman during pregnancy or postpartum.
Our Presenters:
Anne Evans-Murray
R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching, which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will also enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years of lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.
Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences and seminars throughout Australia and New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias & ECG interpretation, chest x-ray interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertiveness training and leadership. She conducts accredited advanced life support training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
Anne has a passionate commitment to empower all clinical staff through increased awareness and knowledge of the critically ill patient’s condition so that timely intervention is implemented, which will benefit patient outcomes.
She is the author of three books; “ECGs Simply”, “Interpretation of Chest X-rays Simply” and ‘Uncomplicating Life, Simply’. Her ECG book is a textbook sold in many universities in Australia.
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN, Specialist Nurse Educator
Sue is the director and co-founder of the Nurses for Nurses Network. Sue is a key contributor to the online education platform Nursing CPD – a Continuing Professional Development platform to assist Nurses in meeting their annual CPD requirements.
As a Registered Nurse, Sue holds Degrees in both Nursing and Health Administration, a Master’s Degree in Public Health, as well as a number of certificate courses in Psychiatry of Ageing, Gerontology, Chemotherapy Administration, and Training and Assessment. She is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Trainer, Mindfulness Practitioner, and Clinical Supervisor.
Sue has extensive experience as a clinician, educator, and senior manager. She has presented at local and international conferences on many topics including, key issues in healthcare, such as the psychological impact of the work that Nurses do and how the work requirements to deliver healthcare impact the health of the clinician. Other topics presented comprise of Nursing Leadership, Emergency Management, Mental health, Aged Care, Advanced Life Support, Assertiveness, Grief and Loss, and Workplace Bullying.
Sue is passionate about making a difference in how the community and Nurses experience the healthcare system.
“Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and work in difficult environments that can take advantage of their commitment to ensuring the best possible care is delivered. To continue to meet professional and community expectations Nurses and Midwives need to acknowledge their unique contribution to health care delivery and assert their collective strength to safeguard the community and ensure their ongoing professional needs are recognised and met.
Healthcare should be delivered by competent, knowledgeable individuals to ensure the best possible experience for the recipient of that care. Nursing is a fabulous profession. The knowledge and skill of the individual Nurse will have the greatest influence on the happiness and health outcomes of each and every client”.
"
- Marise, Nursing Retreat: Exploring Psychological Workplace Violence and Personal Resilience, Gold Coast Hinterlands 2021
DID YOU KNOW THAT ANNE ALSo HAS ONLINE CONTENT YOU CAN ACCESS?
Conference Program:
Topics covered in this seminar:
- Foundational Principles of ECG Monitoring for the Midwife, and Professional Requirements
- Atrial Fibrillation, Preeclampsia and Other Risk Factors
- Interpretation of 12 Lead ECG Recognising Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) in Pregnancy and Post-Partum
- Life-threatening Arrhythmias: VT/ VF and PEA: Assessment of a Collapsed Patient: Syncope vs Cardiac Arrest
- Long QT Syndrome in Pregnancy and Post-Partum
– Karen, Telemetry and ECG Interpretation
What’s Included:
- An extensive Conference program based on current best practice
- Conference Presenters who are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with Conference Attendees
- A Conference pack that includes a notepad, pen, and additional information to support a fantastic Conference experience
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as outlined in the program
- A Conference Transcript that identifies each session held at the Conference including the session synopsis and session presenters
- A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Conference Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
Registration Cost
$490.00 inc GST
Disclaimer: The opinions and statements of facts expressed in the Papers in these proceedings are those of the Authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Nurses for Nurses Network (NfNN), the editors, the organising committee or the supporters of this conference. No responsibility can be accepted by the organisers for errors or omissions in the individual papers. Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers. NfNN reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.
Need more info?
The Venue:
Robina Events Centre
Robina Tafe Campus
94 Laver Drive, Robina QLD 4226
CBus Stadium Car Parking | Centreline Pl, Robina QLD 4226
Guests are encouraged to use the CBus Stadium car park located under the Vue development, off East Lane, Robina.
The car park is open from 0600 to 1800.
Cost: $5.00 per day
Click to see directions >>
Parking at TAFE Queensland Robina Campus | 94 Laver Drive, ROBINA QLD 4226.
There is limited parking available on-site at the Robina Campus, which is allocated for TAFE students, staff and visitors. Parking is subject to availability at the time of parking.
Vehicles must be parked in spaces identified by the TAFE Queensland logo and registered using the EasyPark app. Vehicles will be fined by the car park management company for non-compliance.
Street Parking
Street parking is limited and subject to time restrictions.
Things to do During your Gold Coast Visit
Something to do for everyone
The attractions of the Gold Coast bring smiles to people of all ages and stages. With exhilarating rides, exotic animals and endless waterslides to help you cool off on hot summer days, your Gold Coast holiday offers a full spectrum of interactive entertainment - from dazzling big budget Gold Coast theme parks to small, hilariously kitsch museums.
Amusements and Theme Parks
The Coast’s kid cred is already world-renowned – theme parks rise from the sand and sea. Jump into cute, cuddly and roaring wildlife encounters; worlds built entirely for those that bounce; and ice creameries serving up sugar highs from just about every corner.
Need some retail therapy?
The Gold Coast shopping scene is vast - from discount factory outlets to high-end designer boutiques and everything in between.
Who doesn't love a good dose of retail therapy?
Enjoy some fabulous food
The Coast is a place where night bites, hatted restaurants, street eats and breweries are all served with a side of alfresco. A place where five-star feasting means dusting the sand from your feet; where surfers swap their boards for a latte at sun-up and little ones break from beachside frolics to feast on epic spreads of fish and chips.
Would you like to learn more about ECG interpretation?
ECGs Simply: Cardiac Arrhythmias Made Easy
- PLEASE NOTE: You will be taken through to the Stones Corner Book Store's Website
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
All the Education Team were approachable and very interested in all of us as Individuals. Thank you to Anne for making it easier to understand the basics of heart function and ECG interpretation. To both Anne and Sue for sharing the updated research on the "Controversial" topics and health care/practice.
Loretta
Great event. Amazing presentations by Sue and Anne. Very well presented with a lot of examples. Thank you very much for the amazing conference.
Dorothy
Absolutely fantastic! I got so much out of this retreat, with so many tools to use in my professional and personal life. Having it at the beach made it all the more enjoyable. I feel so rejuvenated! I learnt a lot about myself , what and how I can improve in my communication. The strategies practiced in the workshop were most beneficial. I will be at the next one. Best thing I have ever attended!!!!
Rachel
I can not truly express what this retreat has meant to me and the dedication that Anne and Sue show to improving positive psychological outcomes for nurses. Thank you to both of you.
Asa
Anne and Sue are beyond exceptional.
Lenor
Use coupon code NCPDREF to get a 20% discount.