Vikki carried the worry of heart issues with her from age 10, when rheumatic fever left her with an irregular heartbeat and a faulty heart valve. After having a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure, she feels great. “Feeling like this is incredible.” – Vikki – community volunteer, breast cancer survivor, heart patient TAVR is a less invasive approach to aortic valve replacement compared to open heart surgery. Beacon's Heart, Vascular, and Stroke Team puts heart and soul into everything we do. Learn more about how we provide patients with complete heart care: https://bit.ly/4jISd67 (fb)

Nicole Holloway serves as a behavioral emergency response team (BERT) nurse at Memorial Hospital. When and where help is needed, Nicole answers the call. Her interest in mental health support stems from a deeply personal experience. “My dad suffered from severe PTSD from the Vietnam war. I chose to become a nurse to assist individuals with similar struggles,” she says. “I understand how behavioral health impacts the family dynamics.” Nicole finds fulfillment in helping people discover hope, courage and the ability to overcome their challenges. Being a nurse allows her to embrace kindness and healing. “Often, I appreciate how much I get out of giving and helping others -- it’s a double reward!” One meaningful experience involved a patient admitted with severe mental illness, who initially could not provide meaningful communication or participate in care. Through treatment and compassionate support from Nicole and the Memorial Epworth Center team, she witnessed a remarkable transformation. Upon discharge, the patient started to cry. “I'm so glad you helped me. I was really sick. Most people don't care, like I'm a nobody, but you guys really helped me.” For Nicole, moments like these remind her why she chose the nursing profession. For Nicole, “connecting with heart” means embracing kindness and healing. “Our patients and their families are hurting, physically and emotionally. When I provide active listening, engagement, a hug or smile, or a few extra minutes — these are all examples of how nursing care connects with the heart.” Being a nurse is rewarding for Nicole both personally and professionally. “It means going through each great day and bad day just the same, relying on teamwork and building relationships, giving when there is nothing left to give. “If you’re thinking of becoming a nurse, would you be able to care for others as if they’re family? If the answer is yes, please sign up! You won’t regret it.” (fb)