Abstract
We proudly present the ‘new kid on the block’ as part of the stable of official sub-speciality journals published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC): The European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (EJCN).
It has certainly come to the attention of attendees to the ESC meeting, visitors to the ESC website and members of the ESC that nurses are everywhere! The huge success of our Spring Meeting in Glasgow confirmed that cardiovascular nurses are not only active and interested in evaluating and improving their daily practice, but are establishing key roles in other critical areas that influence the quality of health care provided to patients: patient and nursing education, nursing and inter-disciplinary research and health management and policy (e.g. participating in guideline task forces and ethical committees).
To function optimally and to participate effectively in the plethora of new, non-traditional roles available to cardiovascular nurses in the 21st century, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in science and in practice. For example, the need for evidenced-based practice is recognised and supported by the nursing profession. We believe therefore, that the EJCN will play an important role not only in promoting effective cardiovascular nursing practice, but also in health care in general. By launching the EJCN we are convinced that we will make a major contribution to the mission of the ESC in improving quality of care, and ultimately the quality of life of the European population by reducing the impact of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular nurses are directly involved in delivering health care in a variety of clinical settings that span the continuum of prevention to rehabilitation, from infancy to adulthood and acute to chronic cardiac disease states. Such diversity is reflected in the papers we are proud to present in this the first issue of the journal and the panel of experts who have agreed to serve on the editorial board.
We are fully committed to establishing the EJCN as a well cited journal in which data are presented that can be readily used to improve daily practice and therefore direct patient care, as a basis for further research or to use for educational purposes.
European cardiovascular nurses at long last have their own forum to advance knowledge in the field of cardiovascular nursing and to promote evidence-based clinical practice. The ECJN represents a perfect platform for cardiovascular nurses from around the globe to share their knowledge and expertise and raise issues of common concern — we look forward to receiving and publishing your papers and making this new venture a great success!