Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: This is the All One Nurse Podcast, where we are bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul and getting back to the human side of healthcare.
Powered by Riverside, according to the American Heart Association. Did you know that in the US on average, every 34 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease?
Welcome back to another impactful episode of the All One Nurse Podcast, where I'm your host, Nurse Chanel. And I'm really looking forward to this month because it is February and it's officially America's Heart Month. And today I have a very special guest with me. And let me just tell y'all, I can remember working at the bedside, and it was ICU step down at the time, before I moved to CBICU and I was newly married. I'm thinking about having more children and possibly going back to school, but I couldn't imagine how I would do it all. And I had this rounding practitioner walk up to me and she said, why not?
You can do it all.
And she said it with so much confidence that she planted a seed. So much so that I got my master's in nursing education. I have two additional children now, and I'm sitting here podcasting with a full time Monday through Friday job. And so my wonderful rounding practitioner is Dr. Tonya Newsom, and I am so glad to have her here on this platform with me. Welcome.
[00:01:57] Speaker B: All right, thank you. Thank you.
[00:01:59] Speaker A: Yes. So to tell you a little bit about Dr. Newsom, she has her doctorates in nursing practice. She's a certified family nurse practitioner in adult gerontology. Did I say that correctly?
[00:02:11] Speaker B: I'm dual certified. I'm a family nurse practitioner, and I'm also a certified acute care nurse practitioner. Yes.
[00:02:20] Speaker A: Oh. With 30 years of nursing experience overall.
[00:02:24] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:02:25] Speaker A: 20 years in cardiovascular surgery and 15 years as a nurse practitioner. So, Dr. Newsom, you're the proof that you can do it all. Now, I thank you for being here for such a time as this, with it being America's Heart Month, the Go Red initiative, and the National Wear Red Day, where it's a campaign that was developed by the American Heart Association. And this day is part of the Go Red for Women campaign, which aims to empower and educate women to take charge of their heart health, because heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women as well. Now, some ways that we can get involved with National Wear Red Day, which is the first Friday of February, is to actually wear red. We can get on social media and use hashtags like Rarered Day or Gored four Women and In addition to that, we can donate to organizations that help support heart health research and education.
And as a community, I believe it's important for all of us, whether we are medically inclined or not, to learn how to do cpr, because it makes a significant difference in emergencies. Now stick around to the very end of this episode so that you can find out how to connect with Dr. Newsom as well as download some free toolkits to help you stay on the right track with heart health and of course, how to connect with me, your host, Nurse Chanel Tompkins, and what some and some of the amazing episodes that I have coming up. Before we dive into our conversation, I want to thank you for tuning in to the All1Nurse podcast and your support means a lot to me. If you enjoy this content and want to help us grow, please subscribe to the podcast and by subscribing you'll never miss another episode as well as you will help me reach more listeners and bring on even more amazing guests to this platform. So thank you. Now, as always, I want you to open up your heart and your mind as we dive into Dr. Tonya Newsom's professional journey, her personal insights, patient perspective, and educational insights regarding her role in cardiovascular surgery, which I must add, she.
[00:04:56] Speaker B: Is the lead advanced practice provider.
[00:04:58] Speaker A: Getting right into it, Dr. Newsom, yes, which I love to call you. Ms. Tonya, tell us about you. What is your origin story in your professional journey, how you end up in nursing and where you are today?
[00:05:14] Speaker B: I've always known that I want to be a nurse. Of course, going through nursing school, we spend so much time through various clinicals. I wasn't originally sure which path I wanted to go as far as which specialty I wanted to do. I did a rotation through cvicu and I was in awe. I mean, I just felt like they were the smartest people I ever met. That was very confident. And the patients were sick and they but they did really well very quickly. So I knew that that's something I wanted to do. So right out of nursing school I did spend some time in cvicu. I worked there for a few years and then I kind of played and dived into some other things, but I never parted ways with cvicu. And in that area we recovered. We took care of patients. They had open heart surgery, we did heart transplants, and we also took care of patients that needed like artificial heart devices and we took care of patients that had advanced heart failure. But I was very passionate about those patients. They always came in really, really sick but the doctors really cared and the nurses really cared, and we stayed up on the really latest and advanced things to help these patients do well. Well, as time went on, I decided to go back to school. I originally started out as a family nurse practitioner. While I was in school as a family nurse practitioner, I started working with a group of surgeons, which is the surgeons I work with now. At that time, I was a rounded nurse, but I saw the writing on the wall. You know, back then, it wasn't as big of a deal to work as a nurse versus a provider. So I went back to school as a family nurse practitioner. I always knew that I wanted my doctorate. At that time, I did not know that I wanted to, you know, get my acute care as well. But when I applied for my doctorate, I was like, why not? So gotcha. So I went back to school. I started out as a family nurse practitioner, but I went back and got my doctorate and became an advanced acute care nurse practitioner as well. But during that journey, I continued to work with the heart surgeons. I did leave for a short period of time, but I never parted ways with them. One of the main surgeons, which is the chief for surgery at this moment, I continued to spend time with him on the weekends, and I kept my foot in the door. But I had to allow some time for my children to grow up. They were both, you know, in sports and things like that. And I needed a more sedentary job. I came back to the job that I'm at now. I've been there now for seven years in this particular role. And I was the first advanced practice provider that came back and started rounding with them. And we started phasing out nurses at that time.
[00:08:12] Speaker A: Wow.
[00:08:13] Speaker B: And we. We have since hired additional nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and they promoted me as their lead because they needed someone to help kind of guide them through that pathway.
[00:08:25] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:08:26] Speaker B: So that's how I ended up where I am now.
[00:08:29] Speaker A: Yes. That is awesome. Awesome. Now, you mentioned you have children. So coming through nursing school because 30 years, a long time.
[00:08:37] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:08:39] Speaker A: What. What program did you do initially? Did you start, like, ADN and then moved on to bsn?
[00:08:46] Speaker B: I think I've been to every school in the state. I started out adn.
I took a break for about two years, and then I went back and got my bachelor's.
[00:08:56] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:08:57] Speaker B: Waited a few years, and then I went back and got my family nurse practitioner and master's. Um, and the physician I was working for that, at that time, I have to say, he was very supportive of education. I mentioned to him one time that I wanted my doctorate, and every opportunity he got, he's like, when are you going back to school? Yeah.
And so I went back in 2017 and got my doctorate and my acute care.
[00:09:25] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:09:26] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:09:27] Speaker A: Yes. So you waited a while to go back.
[00:09:30] Speaker B: Yeah, But I. I was practicing as a family nurse practitioner, so that was just a little bit more icing on the cake.
[00:09:39] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:09:39] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:09:40] Speaker A: You had so much experience.
[00:09:41] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:09:42] Speaker A: It's like, why not go ahead and get the title, get the credit? Thank you.
[00:09:46] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:09:47] Speaker A: Now, what would you say some of your challenges were from degree to degree?
[00:09:53] Speaker B: One? I would say one of the biggest challenges is balancing as an adult, balancing life and going back to school at the same time.
When your friends are doing social things, you have to kind of cut things out. My family was always very supportive. The people I work with was always very supportive. Now, Advanced practice provider hadn't always been a hit at the facility I work at. Now it's becoming more popular. People did not necessarily understand our role when you talking about, you know, 15 years ago, you know, there was very few of us, so they had to support me as I went through my journey and understand what role I played. So I would say that was probably one of my biggest challenges.
[00:10:42] Speaker A: Oh, that's good.
That's good. Thank you for sharing that. Now, what would you say your biggest motivation is?
[00:10:50] Speaker B: You know, I've. I'm that person that I've always wanted to be the best at anything that I did if I knew that there was something else that would put me in a better place. I've always wanted to be, strive to be at the very top of that road. So I'm my own self motivator. Just like, you know, when I spoke with you. There is no limits to anything that we can and cannot do.
[00:11:16] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:11:17] Speaker B: And so I've always, you know, looked ahead to see what I could do to better myself and put myself in a better position.
[00:11:26] Speaker A: Now, I touch and agree on that. Amen.
[00:11:29] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:11:30] Speaker A: And I hope my listeners hear this confidence coming through their audio.
[00:11:34] Speaker B: When I met you, Chanel, I saw so much in you. Even though you was a bedside nurse at that time, you was very confident and you was very caring and compassionate. And I always believe that people should strive for the next level and should not limit yourself. And I saw that in you. And that's why I encourage you to, you know, you know, being married and we have to find a way to balance those things out. But there's nothing that we can't do.
[00:12:04] Speaker A: Yes. And you did when I say you planted that seed. Because the way you said it, it was like, I can't, I can, like, I guess I can do it. And like you said, it hadn't always been easy because even with my two additional children, and this is a story for another day, but I've experienced miscarriages. But I can remember recovering from a miscarriage and then signing up for, for a master's program because I was like, why not?
[00:12:29] Speaker B: Why not?
[00:12:30] Speaker A: Why not? Keep going. Just don't hinder yourself. Thank you so much.
[00:12:33] Speaker B: You're welcome.
[00:12:35] Speaker A: Yes. Now, getting into patient perspective.
[00:12:38] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:12:39] Speaker A: Tell us about your experience. Because when you told me your one word that would sum up your why for nursing, you said compassion. Yes, compassion. So tell me about your interactions with cardiovascular patients.
[00:12:55] Speaker B: You know, cardiac disease is not something that we choose. A lot of people do all they can to take care of themselves and they might exercise, eat the right food, but when cardiac disease comes upon them, a lot of times it can be really devastating, whether it's the patient themselves or whether it's a family member, and it can be really overwhelming.
So being able to be there as a, one, as a provider and two, as listening ear and someone that can guide them through that path, you know, at the end of the day, I feel like I've really done something, done something good. Now, of course, I work with physicians and there are. And a lot of times the patients come to, well, they always come to us through the physicians, but they're my patients too. And so I spend just as much, even more time with them. So that's why I feel like I should give anything I can do to make that journey easy. That's, that's why I'm here.
[00:14:00] Speaker A: Now, do you get to see them pre operative, like before coming in, or do you get to see them more post operative and follow up?
[00:14:08] Speaker B: I would say probably 90% of the patients I see postoperatively, there is a 10% because a lot of them come in, you know, through the emergency room or they might come in from their physician's office or through the cath lab. There's various ways that they come in because we take care of patients that, you know, of course, with open heart surgery, transplants, artificial hearts, lung resection. So they come to us from so many different avenues. But I will say the majority of my patients come from home through an outpatient setting.
[00:14:42] Speaker A: Yes, thank you. And speaking of, when we talk about cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular surgery. Yes. For our listeners, can you explain just kind of just going back to just open heart surgery Just some of the different kinds as far as, like the bypasses. And for someone who's listening in and they may hear that, oh, you may need to have heart surgery.
[00:15:08] Speaker B: Yes, we take care, of course, with women. They present in so many different ways.
And I advise everyone to recognize the symptoms and stay in tune with your body because everyone doesn't have the crushing chest pain.
Of course, we do bypass surgery, and that's for arteries that are blocked. We do valve surgeries, and that's for patients that the valves might not be working properly. We drain fluid from around the heart. We do advanced devices for patients that have heart failure and things like that. But the most important thing is to be in tune with your body and recognize when there is a change. You know, the average man might have the crushing chest pain, but women might have just fatigue, shortness of breath. I've had women talk about jaw pain or they just don't feel well and just can't really explain it. Their stamina has been reduced. So it's just so important that we recognize that there's a change in our body.
[00:16:16] Speaker A: Yes, yes, thank you. With taking care of patients, because I. For my nursing students or my new nurses out there, especially with newer nurses wanting to go into the intensive care setting or areas like cvicu, which wasn't a thing, wasn't possible years ago, and so now they can come right out of nursing school into cvicu. What advice do you have for them as they're taking on this role in a higher level of care as a new nurse, having to learn their way around. But in addition to that, you're taking care of someone, like you said, that comes in, in there. It's kind of devastating to have to have open heart surgery too.
The, the emotional or psychological piece that come with it. What advice could do you have for new nurses?
[00:17:07] Speaker B: I. We have a lot of new nurses in the area that we work in. Of course, with nursing in general, the turnover is always great. People are going back to school, but I don't believe in people limiting themselves. You have to recognize the area that you work in, the type of patients that you're dealing with. Learning does not stop when you graduate from nursing school. You have to. If you know that in this area, you take care of these variety of patients, go home and read up on it. Yes, I work with several CV surgeons. I don't know one that would have any issues with nursing. Come and say, hey, let me go with you while you go talk to your patients so I can learn about what's going on with your patients and how you would manage it and the things that it's important for me to recognize when there is, there is any issues, you have to lean on the people that you're around. And like I said, go home and read.
I'll just say there is no way that you can learn about 100% of the drugs that we use, but the most common medications. Go home and read up on it. Talk to the pharmacist. You have to utilize your resources and take the time to continue to educate yourself.
I mean, as a bedside nurse, as a, you know, new nurse practitioner. Practitioner, and even as a nurse practitioner. Now, if there is something that I don't know anything about or I've never been exposed, I'm very nosy and I could go in and I say, hey, I'm not familiar with that. Do you mind if I stay? And then do you mind if I ask you questions? No one has ever told me no, because most people want to teach, you know, so you have to take advantage of those moments.
[00:18:55] Speaker A: Yes, I'm glad you said that. And that's how. And I always joke and say I'm nosy too. I say, just may just call me nosy. And I'm like, and I may not even as a bedside nurse at the time. I may not have the credentialing or I may not be the provider, but I'm so I want to be very aware of what's going on for that patient.
For that patient. If nothing else, I can pay attention and understand why we're doing what we're doing, why the provider is ordering this medication or provider is asking us to do something to help them at the bedside, with the bedside procedure. Like I, I want to know why. And I tell interns all the time, keep your head on a swivel. Be in tune with everything. When you have the opportunity to be on those units, whether it's cv, whether it's med surg. When you're in the hospital setting or in a patient care setting, open your ears. And I always say, cling to up to the nurse or the provider who you're like, I want to be like them. That is doing the work and specifically with a good attitude. And you want to learn what to do, learn how to do what they do. And then for any of those bad apples, you learn what not to do.
[00:20:08] Speaker B: And you know, most people can.
They see who's eager and willing to learn, and so they will bring them right on along with them.
[00:20:17] Speaker A: So, yes, yes, thank you. So as we're talking about post operative care.
[00:20:23] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:20:24] Speaker A: For patients, cardiovascular patients who have underwent surgery.
Can you talk about the pain management? Yeah. And how to better manage the patient's pain from the nurse's perspective or even just communicating with the patient? Because I used to always tell them, you know, no pain means no. You.
[00:20:42] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:20:43] Speaker A: You just had heart surgery.
[00:20:45] Speaker B: 1. I think that a realistic expectation has to be set. That's the starting point. Does pain exist? Yes. I mean, these people have had their, their chest cut wide open and I am an advocate for them being as pain free as possible. Of course, you know, I tell the patients, you're not gonna be 100%, but I want you to be able to function, get up and move around and things like that. You know, any and every time we go in and see the patient, we should assess their pain and with their pain scale is be aware if they have medications that's ordered. Of course, we have to make sure that the patients are breathing properly, the body signs are stable when we're administering these pain medications. And if they're not able to take narcotics and things like that, contact a provider, ask if there's additional options. Because you don't want anybody to lay there in pain. Because if they're hurting, they're not going to do anything that I want them to do. Yeah, I want them to get up and walk. I want them to use their breathing, exercise or, you know, I carry a big stick because all those things that I want them to do is going to get them through the process of healing up and getting better. So, you know, one of the first of the three questions I asked when I first see a patient in the morning. How is your pain? Is the pain medicine working? Because I can make adjustments of my treatment based on how well they're adjusting to their pain medication.
[00:22:14] Speaker A: Yes. And in addition to that, when we talk about pain management, just trying to get them up.
[00:22:19] Speaker B: Right.
[00:22:20] Speaker A: Getting, getting up. Could you explain the importance of mobilization?
[00:22:24] Speaker B: I know often they're, they're thinking we're probably being really mean. But when you're not up moving around, you're at very high risk for getting blood clots and you're also at risk for pneumonia. And all those things can dampen your recovery. So that's why mobility is very important. It's not a natural state to lay in the bed all day long.
[00:22:42] Speaker A: So.
[00:22:43] Speaker B: So it's important that they get up and walk around, sit up in the chair and things like that.
[00:22:48] Speaker A: Yes. Do we? I'll say, do we? As if I'm still in cv do is it a still requirement to get them up within so many hours post surgery?
[00:22:58] Speaker B: Yeah, usually four hours after open heart surgery, they're sitting up in a chair unless there is some contraindication like they have some type of line or things like that. But the majority of our patients are up within four hours.
[00:23:10] Speaker A: Okay. So my listener, if you need heart surgery, expect, expect to get up within four hours post op.
[00:23:17] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:23:18] Speaker A: To help with your recovery process. But there's so many things that's going on at the same time. Pain management, monitoring vitals, as well as trying to get you to get up and get in the chair to help facilitate recovery. So your nurse may seem mean, but just know they care about you and they want you to get up out of that recovery room and get back home.
[00:23:40] Speaker B: Right.
[00:23:40] Speaker A: And speaking on just recovering, because like you said, they've had their chest basically cut open. Can you talk about the sternal precautions? What advice do you have about external precautions that could assist patients, family or nurses?
[00:24:00] Speaker B: We try to educate them on sternum precautions before surgery because when you're hurting and you're not feeling good, you don't hear anything that, that people say. So, you know, it's just like any other broken bone. It needs some time to heal, it needs some time to mend. So it's very important. Generally on the larger patients, we might put a binder, so if they're coughing and things like that, that it won't separate. Also, we recommend in the event that they need to cough or sneeze or things like that, that they brace it because that helps to support it as well. We have a very good cardiac rehab department as well as physical therapy department. They teach them mobility, how to get themselves up out of the chair, how to maneuver around without putting extra strain on those incisions. But it's very important because you don't want to undo the work that that surgeon has done. And that doesn't mean that he hasn't done a good work, but anything can only take so much friction. So that's why it's important that you listen to the advice and the things that's recommended that you do.
[00:25:05] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. I used to tell them a jug of milk was too heavy.
[00:25:10] Speaker B: Yeah, we usually, we usually recommend nothing greater than, than 10 pounds for about six weeks.
[00:25:17] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:25:17] Speaker B: And we recommend that they ride in the back of the car so they won't be exposed to the airbag and things like that.
[00:25:25] Speaker A: That's good. And I think for men, because men are probably more likely to want to get Back out and depending on the time of year, it's fishing season and all that.
[00:25:35] Speaker B: It's like taking care of their yards and things like that. It's all. That's a no.
[00:25:40] Speaker A: No.
[00:25:41] Speaker B: For about six weeks.
[00:25:42] Speaker A: Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. Yeah, that's a no, no.
[00:25:46] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:25:48] Speaker A: Okay. Now, how long can they expect to be in cardiac rehab? Is it just for six weeks or is it dependent on the patient's recovery?
[00:25:56] Speaker B: The average is about six weeks.
They don't start cardiac rehab immediately after they go home, usually approximately about two weeks. And then it all depends on how they recover, but it's about six weeks. And the average patient really enjoys that because it helps to build their stamina. They're constantly being educated, reminded on things they need to do to get themselves better.
[00:26:18] Speaker A: Thank you. Now, when we talk about risk factors, because now I'm kind of going backwards, but when we talk about risk factors for heart disease, I think of the main three. I think about high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Can you say that most of the patients in the mid south area have like all three? Or. Or you just kind of see.
[00:26:43] Speaker B: I see a variety. You know, those are the top three. But sedentary lifestyles.
[00:26:51] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:26:52] Speaker B: Obesity.
[00:26:54] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:26:55] Speaker B: Race, Hereditary. I don't really think that people realize how much diabetes or you don't even have to be a diabetic, just high glucose levels, high. The role that it plays on cardiac disease. You know, your body tends to hold on to sugar, and your body kind of goes through some highs and lows and. But it has a tremendous effect on healing and the cause of cardiac disease.
[00:27:26] Speaker A: Is there anything in particular you want to also talk about when it comes to heart disease?
[00:27:32] Speaker B: I think one of the important things that people should do, you know, often I find out through taking care of these patients in their recovery, they're not always very honest with their family members. You have to be honest with yourself and be very clear with your family members about what's going on with you and what's about to happen. Because your expectations might not be the same expectations of theirs. And sometimes you hear people say, I didn't realize that they were that sick. When you go to the doctor, take them with you, Take somebody with you. Because sometimes physicians, they're throwing so much information at you that you're not able to really comprehend and absorb it. And then go home and read up on what they told you and call back and ask questions, write down questions, because you have a better chance of recovering and doing well if you fully understand what's going on with you.
[00:28:29] Speaker A: Oh, that's good.
That's great. Thank you for sharing that.
And with that, what I hear you saying is be intentional about your own health.
[00:28:41] Speaker B: Right. Take ownership.
[00:28:43] Speaker A: Yeah, take ownership.
[00:28:44] Speaker B: Take ownership. Because I can only tell you so much. I can give you all the tools, but you got to decide that you're going to utilize them.
[00:28:53] Speaker A: Yeah. Some the same way with nurses, new nurses, like you said, they have to take ownership. Or if I went back to cb, I would have to take ownership in my own learning curve or having to get re acclimated back to the icu. And so that's good.
[00:29:13] Speaker B: Yep.
[00:29:14] Speaker A: And like you said, we can do whatever we put our minds to.
Yes.
[00:29:18] Speaker B: We just decided that it's something that we want to do. So.
[00:29:21] Speaker A: Yep. We have to decide.
Let's talk a little bit, a little bit about lifestyle modifications.
[00:29:29] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:29:30] Speaker A: And taking ownership. What are some things that you would, that you educate your patients on as far as lifestyle changes, especially with diet? And I think a very big one is smoking.
[00:29:42] Speaker B: Yes. Smoking is definitely a. No. No, you, because it causes your, your blood vessels to close down and it limits the amount of blood flow that you have. So exercise. You know, everybody's not going to run a marathon, but just get up and walk around your house, walk down to the mailbox back. So exercise. Be mindful of your diet. You know, I don't expect, I never tell people to cut 100% of everything out because people tend to be non compliant if I tell them they can't have.
[00:30:17] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:30:18] Speaker B: But be mindful of your diet, exercise, good blood pressure control.
[00:30:24] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:30:25] Speaker B: Follow up with your doctors. Yeah.
Be mindful of their advice and then go home and read up on the things that they're advising you to do.
[00:30:34] Speaker A: That's good. Now, when it comes to medications that they may be on, did you, is there like, do y'all provide like resources? Because sometimes I think a lot of times patients can't afford their meds. Do you encounter that in your population of patients?
[00:30:51] Speaker B: We have an excellent pharmacy department.
They're looking every day at the medications that the patients are taking and they're giving them as well as our case management department is given, you know, advice and helping patients through the charity programs to help to be able for their medications.
[00:31:11] Speaker A: Okay. And I know if you provide that, then regardless of who's listening, that may be an option for your family member given the area that they may be needing cardiovascular surgery services or post op care.
[00:31:26] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:31:27] Speaker A: Thank you for sharing that. Ms. Tonya, what final thoughts do you have for our listeners?
[00:31:33] Speaker B: My final thought would be to say we only have one body and so we have to take care of it. Sometimes we're, we have dealt a hand to bed bad cards, but we have to embrace what's put before us and see what we can do to make those things better. Take your medications, go to your doctor visits, be mindful of, you know, being overweight. And I know everybody's not going to be a size 2, but everybody don't have to be a 32. You know, be mindful of your weight, be mindful of your diet and just do things to help take care of yourself.
[00:32:08] Speaker A: That's good. Now I have to ask, do you see younger people having cardiovascular surgery with.
[00:32:15] Speaker B: Obesity being, oh my, you know, it's, you know, we went through a period of time and there's not a month that doesn't go by that we don't see 40 year olds. To me, 40 is young to be having 30 year olds to be having open heart surgery and sometimes redo and.
[00:32:35] Speaker A: Oh, wow.
[00:32:36] Speaker B: Yeah. And, and when you have open heart surgery, even though we fix a problem, the problem can come back if you don't do the things you need to do to take care of yourself.
[00:32:46] Speaker A: Yeah. So if you don't make the lifestyle modifications, it's just gonna be, it's just gonna be another cycle of blocked coronary arteries and you're back in surgery.
[00:33:00] Speaker B: Right.
[00:33:01] Speaker A: That's good. Same way with heart cath.
[00:33:04] Speaker B: Right. Unless you necessarily have to go through it.
[00:33:08] Speaker A: Yes. And then you have those patients who, they did all the right things, but they, they can't beat genetics.
[00:33:16] Speaker B: High cholesterol, you can't outrun that.
[00:33:19] Speaker A: Yeah, you can't outrun genetics. But I think all of us who have recovered, someone who ended up with open heart surgery due to genetics, they, they tend to recover. Well, they do because they're otherwise healthy.
[00:33:33] Speaker B: And ones that don't smoke that, eat halfway healthy, exercise, those all do well.
[00:33:40] Speaker A: Good. Thank you for sharing that. Now, what would you like our listeners to take away from this episode?
[00:33:46] Speaker B: The biggest thing is like you, you mentioned, it is heart month go red. And everyone, we're rolling into February. Take this as an opportunity to think about the things that you can do to improve your heart health.
And you don't have to make big changes, but make little one or two little changes at a time and build on that.
[00:34:11] Speaker A: Yeah, that's good. Thank you. Thank you.
So question I'm asking, do they do the calcium scan?
[00:34:25] Speaker B: Yes, that's a, that's a That's relatively new over the last few years. Calcium score, Calcium scans.
[00:34:33] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:34:33] Speaker B: Now, my department doesn't do it, but it does lead to them doing having heart catheterization. Some, some people that have strong family history are paying for it out of their pocket because, you know, they're, you know, their thought is, if I can do something that makes me aware if I have something going on, why not?
[00:34:53] Speaker A: Yes. And it's less invasive than a car. Yes, yes, yes. Way less expensive, too.
[00:35:01] Speaker B: Yes, yes, yes.
[00:35:02] Speaker A: Thank you for sharing. That's. I had to ask because in my previous episode with Tiffany Cannon, who wears that lvad, I was like, you can also get the calcium score done. I think I called it a calcium scan then. Well, thank you so much for sharing.
[00:35:18] Speaker B: You're welcome, you're welcome.
[00:35:19] Speaker A: Your knowledge. Now, how can listeners connect with you?
[00:35:24] Speaker B: Okay. I am part of Baptist Medical Group cardiothoracic Surgery. You can reach us online or you can call our office directly. 901-226-0456.
[00:35:36] Speaker A: Thank you so much. Now, as for me, your host, Chanel Tompkins, you can reach me on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram. I'm also on YouTube at all one nurse, and on Instagram is at all one nurse, underscore Chanel. And again, do not forget to subscribe to the All1Nurse podcast, regardless of where you're tuning in from, because again, you will not miss another episode.
And it helps me grow the podcast and my ability to reach other more listeners and allow other amazing guests to come on this platform. So take the time and go ahead and subscribe. And thank you again, Dr. Newsom, for getting on here with me today.
[00:36:22] Speaker B: You're welcome. You're welcome.
[00:36:23] Speaker A: I greatly appreciate it with Dr. Tonya Newsom. And there was so much that we could have kept going on about when it comes to heart health and cardiovascular surgery patients. Some of my main takeaways that I got from my ultimate conversation with Dr. Newsom is for patients to take ownership of your health and understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease and recognizing that symptoms are different between men and women.
And as for nurses, take ownership of your learning by recognizing what area of nursing that you chose to work in, in understanding that training or learning doesn't stop so that you can better advocate for your patients and build your knowledge and understanding, especially as a new nurse. And as promised, if you look down in the description of this podcast for this episode, you will find the link to the CDC that will take you to the communication toolkit for American Heart Month that it can be utilized by patients as well as healthcare providers to provide to patients. And some of those toolkits are in both Spanish and English language. Coming up on the All One Nurse podcast, I have Sarah Lorenzini, the Rapid Response Nurse. And I'm so excited because whether you're a patient, a family member, or a nurse, her episode is going to bring you so much information and what it is that Rapid Response Nursing nurses do in the hospital setting to help benefit everyone involved. I'm also working on maternal health and men's health because those are both two very important topics as well. So subscribe and stick around so that you don't miss an episode. And until next time, let your light shine.
