Heart to Heart Nurses

The Southern Nevada PCNA chapter received the 2025 Chapter Award for outstanding contributions to their community. Learn about what has led to their success--and strategies you can implement in your own workplace and community--from chapter leaders Kredlen Dentscheff, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, David De Santiago, MSN Ed, RN MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, CV-BC, and Charli Rose Saxton, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, CV-BC.

PCNA Chapters: ht...

Learn more about the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist, and how these individuals can drive positive outcomes for patients. Guest Laura Mack, MSN, RN, CNL, HF-CERT, PCNA's Heart Failure Prevention 2025 awardee, describes a nurse-led process improvements for patients with heart failure that yielded substantial progress in reducing rehospitalizations and mortality.

PCNA Heart Failure Prevention Award: pcna.net/career...

It's never too early--or too late--to focus on cardiovascular disease prevention. It is critically important at all stages of life, from addressing the health of those who are pregnant, to reducing risk in infancy and beyond. Guest Laura L. Hayman, PhD, RN, FPCNA, FAHA, FAAN focuses on working with individuals, families, and communities, and concentrating on social determinants of health to make a difference for all patien...

Public health and clinical practice are closely connected. Guest Erin Ferranti, PhD, MPH, RN, CDCES,FAHA, FPCNA, about the importance of public health for all patients, and how to get more involved.

Resources:

PCNA Advocacy Resources: https://pcna.net/news/pcna-advocacy-paving-the-way-for-cardiovascular-health-through-policy-action/ 

Life's Essential 8 (TM): https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/health...

How can health care organizations promote cardiovascular nursing leadership and practice to improve patient care and outcomes? Learn from Janette Sendin, MSN, APRN-CNS, CCNS, PCCN, of Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (recipient of the PCNA Institutional Award) about the Center's education, training, and other opportunities that can be implemented in other locations of various sizes.

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Healthcare advocacy takes place in the clinic setting and in legislative chambers, and impacts the access patients have to needed therapies. Hear from Dharmesh Patel, MD, President of Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health (PACH) about the Inflation Reduction Act, the MINI-Act, and being the voice for the voiceless--our patients.

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Addressing hypertension at the local and global levels requires using validated tools, following the data, and working with patients and policymakers alike. Guest Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, PhD, MHS, RN, FAAN, FAHA, FPCNA describes strategies for clinical practice as well as legislative advocacy for addressing this global healthcare crisis.

Resources: 

Validated blood pressure monitors: validatebp.org 

PCN...

Any diagnosis of cardiovascular disease can present challenges for our patients, however, Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM) which is also referred to as Cardio-renal metabolic syndrome (CRM) can have even more drastic effects for our patients. Hear from two cardiovascular patients (one with CKM) who also happen to be nurses as they discuss navigating their specific treatment journeys. 

Cardiovascular-K...

Join Chloé Villavaso MN, APRN, ACNS-C, FPCNA, AACC, as she explores Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM) also know as Cardio-renal metabolic syndrome (CRM). Listen to a recap of the 5 stages of CKM and learn how to apply guideline-directed therapy as a part of the vast healthcare team needed to treat your CKM patients. 

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: What You Need to Know Patient Handout (LINK ...

"Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome (CKM) also known as Cardio-renal metabolic syndrome (CRM) has been growing in prevalence over the past 20 years. Join Dr. Koirala in this episode as she explores this syndrome and what risk factors to look out for in clincial practice.

Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: What You Need to Know Patient Handout (LINK ONCE AVALIABLE)

2023 AHA Presidential Advisory and Scien...

Health coaching requires personalized recommendations, multiple conversations, and shared decision-making. Learn about the 3 Es and 3 Ps of coaching, motivational strategies, and the importance of self-care. Guest Erum Jiva, DNP, ARNP-BC, CLS, FNLA, FPCNA.

Related PCNA resource:

Behavior Change Mini-Certificate: https://pcna.net/online-course/behavior-change-mini-certificate/

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You may have seen haptoglobin values in lab results--but what is it, and how is it related to cardiovascular and other diseases? Learn from guest Emily Mewborn, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, about these links, and how our haptoglobin genotype may affect risk.

Related information:

Haptoglobin genotype and its role in determining heme-iron mediated vascular disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3345090/

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For patients who are older, or with complex diseases like HCM, healthcare professionals who really listen can be the key to successful shared decision-making. Guest Kate Lew, MSN, RN, FNP-C, FPCNA, addresses effective strategies, a well as how to get involved beyond the clinical walls.

PCNA Heart Healthy Toolbox: https://pcna.net/clinical-resources/patient-handouts/heart-healthy-toolbox/

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The wide array of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) s may lead to confusion as to which one to use in what circumstances. Differentiating defibrillators, pacemakers, and loop recorders--as well as accessing and utilizing the collected data--is covered by guest Erin Nordstrom, BSN, RN, PHN, CV-B. 

Related PCNA courses:

Choosing the Right Cardiac Pacing Device: https://pcna.net/online-course/ch...

What's good for the heart is good for the brain. Guest Brittany Butts, PhD, RN, describes helping patients understand this connection and implement actions to decrease their risk for both cardiovascular and cognitive declines. 

MMSE: https://muhc.ca/sites/default/files/micro/m-PT-OT/OT/Mini-Mental-State-Exam-%28MMSE%29.pdf

MOCA: https://mocacognition.com/paper (official site)

https://geriatrict...

Jan McAlister, DNP, APRN, CLS, describes the links between triglycerides, diet, obesity, and A1C, and the role of triglycerides in atherosclerosis.

PCNA Patient Ed Sheet: https://pcna.net/clinical-resources/patient-handouts/triglyceride-tools-and-handouts/

2021 ACC consensus statement: https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2021/07/27/21/04/2021-ACC-ECDP-Hypertriglyceridemia

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Current President of the Family Heart Foundation, Dr. Seth Baum explores the importance of cascade screening with FH patients. Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with your patients and connect with resources to help your patients cope with their diagnosis. 

Relevant PCNA Resources: https://pcna.net/clinical-resources/patient-handouts/familial-hypercholesterolemia-patient-education-fact-sheet/ 

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Dive into the genetics of the rare Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia or HoFH. Guest Ruth Schneider emphasizes the role family or cascade screening can play in this rare genetic condition. 

Relevant PCNA Resources: https://pcna.net/clinical-resources/patient-handouts/familial-hypercholesterolemia-patient-education-fact-sheet/

Family Heart Foundation Resources: https://familyheart.org/familial-hyp...

Explore the two different types of familial hypercholesterolemia: Homozygous and Heterozygous. Guest Kathy Byrne walks listeners through different signs and symptoms along with diagnostic tools to explore a diagnosis for your patients.

National Heart Blood and Lung Screening Guidelines https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26343208/#:~:text=Identification%20of%20hetFH%20is%20key,;%20Prevalence;%20Screening;%20Treatment.