Nurse practitioner passionate about helping women

A passion for patient care – particularly when it comes to women—is what drives Nurse Practitioner Ashley Velting. 

Velting, who has spent 16 years working in Cardiac Sciences, is the nurse practitioner at the new Women’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic at South Health Campus. 

She loves her role, which centers on patient care and primary prevention in women with either established or newly diagnosed cardiovascular conditions, including non-obstructive microvascular disease and arrhythmias.

“Women are typically caregivers who are always helping other people and not always taking care of themselves,” she says. “As an advocate for women, I am excited about this new clinic. I think it will become unique and special in Canada.”

Velting started her nursing career as a registered nurse working at the Rocky View Hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), as well as in internal medicine, general medicine and general surgery. 

After spending some time in leadership positions, Velting found she missed the beside work where she interacted with patients. 

Motivated by a desire to improve her practice, Velting decided to pursue more education. Initially, she considered becoming a physician but realized her true passion was nursing because of the close connections it affords with patients. She enrolled at the University of Calgary where she completed her master’s degree in nursing followed by a nurse practitioner certification. 

She’s been a nurse practitioner for a decade and is thrilled to be able to contribute to the lives of her patients. 

“Nurses spend a lot of time with patients, and I feel like I truly make a difference,” says Velting.  

In her new role, Velting works one-on-one with patients, personalizing a plan to optimize their outcomes. 

“We look at any anything that will help manage their conditions and reduce their burden of cardiovascular disease,” says Velting, explaining the discussion includes everything from diet and exercise to hypertension, cholesterol levels and optimizing their medical therapies. 

As a nurse practitioner, Velting writes prescriptions, orders blood work and works closely with other allied health professionals. She also focuses on educating her patients. 

“I try to act like a hub for these patients, so they can have a place to get answers,” says Velting. 

She says her role in the clinic is unique, particularly for a subspecialty program. 

“I think the benefit to the patients is the time that I am able to spend with them,” says Velting. “This allows the cardiologist to focus on the main concern, and I can look at their health as a whole and come up with a tailored plan for them. The novelty of the clinic is exciting— we are offering something that is not offered by everyone else.” 

Learn about the Libin Institute's Women's Cardiovascular Health Initiative here.