During Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, we recognize the vital role of cardiac rehab in reducing potentially devastating effects of heart disease. About 800,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year. Cardiac rehabilitation can not only help a person recover from a heart issue but also prevent future complications.
Thank you to our amazing Cardiac Rehab teams at Amberwell Atchison & Amberwell Hiawatha for their dedication, patience, and compassionate care as they guide patients toward healthier lives!
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
After graduating from nursing school, I worked on the cardiac floor at a facility in Topeka. After several years in the city, my husband and I decided to move back home to Nemaha County. I heard about an opening in the Cardiac Rehab Department in Hiawatha, where my sister was working at the time. Having cared for acute cardiac patients, I found the idea of participating in the recovery phase of heart care interesting.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to know our patients and seeing them become stronger and healthier. I love seeing them gain strength and confidence throughout their stay with us.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
I love any kind of nuts—pecans, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, peanuts.
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
WE determine our own HAPPINESS.
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
It was time for a change in patient care, and I wanted to explore a different type of nursing.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with patients and being part of a great team. I truly enjoy the connections I make with both the patients and the wonderful ladies I work with every day.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
Blueberries, strawberries, and pecans
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
Life is a continuous process of adjustment.
Indira Gandhi
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
I have a personal connection with heart disease. Heart disease runs on both sides of my family. Having that personal connection inspired me to take the opportunity to combine nursing skills with a role that helps patients improve their heart health and overall well-being.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is helping patients recover and regain their quality of life after heart conditions. Seeing people rebuild their strength, confidence, and hope is incredibly rewarding.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
Apple slices with peanut butter and Greek yogurt with fresh fruit
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
Inspiration to work in Cardiac Rehab began with the desire for a schedule change that better suited my family. The switch proved to be a perfect fit since I also enjoy being active and promoting a healthy lifestyle. After 20+ years in the department, I can honestly say I love my job!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is my Cardiac Rehab family!! I love the relationships I have with my awesome coworkers and amazing patients, some of which have been coming since my early years in the department. It is very rewarding to see the progression our patients make in overcoming their health obstacles and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
Apple slices and peanut butter—even better with a handful of almonds.
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
“Wrinkles only go where smiles have been.” ~ Jimmy Buffet
“Be the sunshine that brightens someone’s day.”
“A good laugh always feels good.”
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
The idea of being part of a person’s journey to recovery and helping them make lasting lifestyle changes is incredibly rewarding. Plus, there’s something deeply motivating about empowering people to take charge of their heart health and seeing them go from feeling limited to leading a more active and fulfilling life.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is watching a patient go from being unsure about their health to feeling empowered and optimistic.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
Strawberries and peaches
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
“They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
What inspired you to work in Cardiac Rehab?
What inspired me to work in Cardiac Rehab is the opportunity to empower patients during their recovery and help them achieve better health and confidence. The role also provides a wonderful balance that allows me to fulfill my responsibilities as a nurse and as a mother of three. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to pursue my passion for patient care while being fully present for my family.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to help patients take control of their health and find a new sense of strength and confidence. It’s rewarding to see how small, consistent steps lead to big improvements in their quality of life. I especially value the relationships I build with patients as we work together to overcome challenges and celebrate progress. Being part of their journey toward better health is not just fulfilling—it reminds me daily about why I became a nurse in the first place.
February is also National Snack Food Month. What’s your favorite heart-healthy snack?
Frozen Yogurt Bark
1.5c low-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 T honey or pure maple syrup
2 T chopped unsalted almonds
1/2c finely chopped mango
1/2c blueberries
1/4c raspberries
1. In a medium bowl whisk together the yogurt and honey until combined.
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a spatula or knife, spread the yogurt mixture over the paper as thinly as possible.
3. Sprinkle the almonds over the yogurt mixture. using your fingertips, gently press the almonds into the yogurt mixture.
4.Sprinkle fruit over top of yogurt mixture
5. Cover and place in freezer overnight.
6. At serving time, remove from freezer, break yogurt bark into 2–3-inch pieces. Place the remainder in a freezer-safe container and enjoy!
Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
