Dan Bashford

Compassionate and skilled RN with over 21 years of diverse nursing experience in high-stakes environments. Dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and improving health outcomes. Proven expertise in patient assessment, IV therapeutic intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration, complemented by certifications in Coronary Care and CPR. 

I have over two decades of progressive nursing experience at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, Canada, specializing in cardiac and critical care. My career began in 2000 in the Telemetry/Medical unit, where I built a strong foundation in patient monitoring, assessment, and inter-hospital patient transfer. During the SARS outbreak in 2003, I has instrumental in helping to establish telemetry capabilities for an enclosed unit. I also served as a preceptor, mentoring new nurses and supporting their professional development.

From 2005 to 2019, I then transitioned into a specialized Coronary Care Nurse role. In this capacity, I provided advanced cardiac care, including 12-lead ECG interpretation, IV antiarrhythmic and inotropic support, non-invasive ventilation monitoring, and post-procedural pacemaker/ICD care, as well as assisting with conscious sedation procedures. My leadership and mentoring skills continued as I trained and oriented new staff.

Between 2019 and 2021, I worked in the Combined ICU/CCU, caring for critically ill, intubated patients. I was actively involved in full IV therapeutic interventions, intensive monitoring, and interdisciplinary care planning. I also participated on the Code Blue team and performed blood specimen collection through both venipuncture and arterial line access. In this high-acuity environment, I continued to serve as a trainer and mentor to newly hired staff.

I hold a Nursing Diploma earned in 2000 and I am expected to complete my Mental Health Nursing Certification in May 2025 at The Michener Institute of Education in Toronto, Ontario. I've pursued specialized certifications CPR & AED Certification (2024), and Coronary Care Level 1, 2, and 4 (2005). Additionally, I completed a Critical Care Certificate at Seneca College’s King Campus in King City, Ontario in 2005.