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The Cardiovascular Nursing Consortium
Effective communication can drive meaningful change, whether at the bedside, in a boardroom, or on a public platform. On November 1, 2024, Indiana University Health will be hosting its first annual Cardiovascular Nursing Consortium. This event is intended to foster support, growth, and professional development for nurses with an interest in cardiovascular care.
A critical component of our role as nurses is advocacy — not only for our patients but for our profession and communities. My experiences with the AHA, my role as a medical correspondent, and my advocacy efforts have shown me the power of using our voices for change.
As nurses, our advocacy ensures that patients receive the care they need, that our profession is respected, and that our healthcare system is continuously improving. At this event, I look forward to exploring how we can all use our voices, in our capacities, to lead change and make a positive impact.
It will also be an opportunity for nurses to come together, share our knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences. I’ll be there to share my journey from the bedside to national advocacy for cardiovascular health, but this event is about more than one story. It’s about connecting with our collective “why”— the reasons we chose cardiovascular care, the passion that keeps us going, and the goals we want to achieve.
It’s about finding your rhythm in a demanding field and leading with purpose and compassion.
Finding your rhythm
Cardiovascular nursing is a specialty that requires not just technical skills but also an innate understanding of the human experience. The heart is more than an organ; it’s a symbol of life itself. As a cardiac nurse, you learn to interpret rhythms, anticipate crises, and understand that every heartbeat represents someone’s life, someone’s loved one.
As a nurse, finding your own rhythm means understanding what drives you, what inspires you, and what challenges you’re willing to take on. It means letting your passion propel you forward through whatever obstacles lay in front of you.
It’s passion that has driven me to where I am today — not only caring for patients but also educating and advocating on a national level.
Whether it was providing bedside care, speaking on television as a medical correspondent, or standing in front of lawmakers, my mission has always been clear: to ensure that everyone has access to quality cardiovascular care and that nurses are empowered to lead in making that a reality.
I’ve faced many challenges in my journey, but my passion for cardiovascular care and my commitment to preventing the kind of loss my family suffered kept me moving forward. That experience defined my purpose and guided me through every challenge, and I hope each of you finds your own purpose and rhythm to lead you forward.
Whether you’re a new nurse just starting out in cardiovascular care, an experienced practitioner looking for new opportunities, or someone ready to embrace a leadership role, there is a place for you on this journey. It’s about growing, learning, and supporting each other to become the best versions of ourselves — for our patients, our profession, and our personal fulfillment.
If you’re in the area, join me on November 1 at IU Health Methodist Hospital to connect with fellow nurses, find your own rhythm, and reignite the passion that drives you. Together, we can lead with heart, ensure our patients receive the care they deserve, and shape the future of cardiovascular health — one heartbeat at a time.
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