As a Nurse Practitioner at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), UHN for 18 years—and with 25 years of service within the organization—I have contributed meaningfully to patient care and the broader health care system through the development of specialized cardiovascular expertise. I began my nursing career as an ICU nurse working in a variety of ICUs across the United States before returning home in 2001 to work in the CV ICU.
This is where I built a strong foundation in the care of complex postoperative cardiac patients. Over time, I advanced my clinical scope to include adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), providing highly specialized care across both inpatient and outpatient settings. My work has consistently improved access, continuity, and quality of care for high-acuity and underserved cardiac populations. I have received various awards and patient testimonials recognizing my compassionate care and leadership in practice innovation. Throughout my career, I have also contributed to the broader health care system through local, provincial, national, and international speaking engagements.
Barbara Bailey graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) from McMaster University. Upon graduating, she worked across the United States as a registered nurse (RN) in the intensive care department. Barb returned to Canada in 2001 and joined the University Health Network (UHN). She began her UHN career as a staff nurse in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit. In 2007, she transitioned from RN to Nurse Practitioner (NP) after completing her Master of Nursing, Acute Care NP program from the University of Toronto. Barb has developed advanced knowledge in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) with a focus in postoperative management. Since April 2015, Barb is the NP for the Toronto ACHD program at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), UHN.
Barb is currently cross-appointed with the Lawrence S. Bloomberg, Faculty of Nursing University of Toronto. She holds memberships with the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses (CCCN), International Society of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ISACHD), Nurse Practitioner Association of Canada (NPAC), Registered Nurses’ of Ontario (RNAO) and Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and is the current Past President of the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO). Barb is certified in cardiovascular nursing (CCN(C)), basic and advanced cardiac life support. Her accomplishments include a patient education initiative, a children’s storybook to help parents discuss their heart surgery with their children and the development of a mindfulness recovery program after cardiac surgery.
She has co-authored publications in ACHD and cardiovascular surgery and has published in the Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership and in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology (CJC) Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. More recently, she was awarded the 2025 Mae Gallant Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Excellence Award, with the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses. Along with the Sprott Surgery (UHN), Exceptional Interprofessional Contributions surgical patient experience award, June 13 2025.
Linkedin Profile: barbara.bailey@uhn.ca
