Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Loreena Hill embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in nursing, earning her Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Nursing with RGN in September 1991, graduating with a 2-1. Her passion for nursing and healthcare education was evident early on, as she continued to deepen her knowledge and skills through advanced studies. In 2005, Dr. Hill completed her qualifications as an Independent & Supplementary Prescriber, equipping her with the expertise to contribute to the evolving landscape of healthcare. This commitment to lifelong learning culminated in her earning a Master of Science in Nursing in 2006, further solidifying her academic credentials.

Dr. Hill’s pursuit of excellence did not stop there. In 2015, she achieved a significant milestone by earning her PhD in Nursing. This achievement not only marked the pinnacle of her academic endeavors but also laid the groundwork for her to become a leading figure in the field of nursing education and research. Her early academic achievements set the stage for a career dedicated to advancing the practice of nursing through education, research, and leadership.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 💼

Dr. Hill’s professional career has been marked by a series of significant roles that reflect her commitment to advancing nursing practice and education. From September 1991, when she first became a Registered Nurse, Adult, to her present appointment as a Reader at the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) in August 2023, Dr. Hill has consistently demonstrated her dedication to healthcare and education.

Her professional journey includes roles that have allowed her to contribute to both the clinical and academic spheres. From 2015 to 2016, she served as a Post-doctoral researcher and Heart Failure Nurse, a role that enabled her to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. This experience was further enriched by her tenure as a Heart Failure Nurse at the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust from September 2016 to January 2017, where she played a critical role in patient care.

Dr. Hill’s academic contributions are equally noteworthy. From February 2017 to September 2018, she served as a full-time Research Fellow, focusing on advancing nursing research and contributing to the academic community. She then transitioned to the role of Full-time Lecturer of Research & Teaching at QUB, where she influenced the next generation of nurses through her teaching and research efforts. In August 2023, Dr. Hill’s expertise and dedication were recognized with her appointment as a Reader, where she continues to shape the future of nursing education and research.

Research Focus and Achievements 🧬

Dr. Hill’s research focus has been instrumental in advancing the field of nursing, particularly in the areas of heart failure, palliative care, and eHealth interventions. Her research has been supported by significant grants, underscoring the impact and relevance of her work. One of her notable projects is the CHOICE-ICD initiative, which received a £315,794 grant from the British Heart Foundation Career Development Research Fellowship for Nurses & Healthcare Professionals. This project, spanning from 2023 to 2026, aims to co-develop and pilot an eHealth intervention to provide information that reduces the concerns of patients living with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).

Dr. Hill’s collaborative research efforts are also evident in her role in the ICARE4CVD project, which received a €672,197 grant from Horizon EU for a five-year period (2023-2028). This project focuses on individualized care from early risk of cardiovascular disease to established heart failure, showcasing Dr. Hill’s commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative research.

Her research outputs have been published in esteemed journals, contributing valuable insights to the field of cardiovascular nursing. Her work on integrating palliative care into heart failure management, as reflected in her publications in the European Journal of Heart Failure, has set a benchmark for future research and clinical practice in this area.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Hill’s contributions to nursing and healthcare have been widely recognized, both within the academic community and the broader healthcare sector. In 2019, she was honored as a Fellow of the Heart Failure Associations, a testament to her expertise and influence in the field. Her leadership and impact were further acknowledged through her appointment as Chair of the Digital Health and Patient Care committee of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) for the 2022-2024 term.

Dr. Hill’s role as an external examiner for PhD theses at prestigious institutions like King’s College London highlights her standing as an expert in her field. Her contributions to specialist practice programs at Trinity College Dublin further demonstrate her influence in shaping nursing education across Europe.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Hill’s work has had a profound impact on both the academic community and the healthcare sector. Her research has informed clinical practices and policy decisions, particularly in the areas of heart failure and palliative care. Her leadership in developing eHealth interventions has provided patients and healthcare professionals with innovative tools to improve patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Hill’s influence extends beyond her research and teaching roles. As a committee member of the Irish Nurses Cardiovascular Association (INCA) and a Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cardiovascular nursing in Europe. Her contributions to the ESC Taskforce on Allied Professions further highlight her commitment to advancing the profession and ensuring that nursing practices are aligned with the latest research and clinical guidelines.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Hill continues her work as a Reader at QUB, her legacy in the field of nursing is already well established. Her research, teaching, and leadership have set new standards in nursing education and practice. Her ongoing projects, particularly in the area of eHealth and personalized care, promise to further advance the field and improve patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, Dr. Hill’s work will continue to influence the next generation of nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals. Her commitment to advancing nursing through research, education, and leadership ensures that her contributions will have a lasting impact on the field and the lives of countless patients worldwide.