#HeartMonth feature: Kristy Tippie, RN, Heart Center at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg
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Kristy Tippie, RN, who began her nursing career 21 years ago at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, has spent the past 10 years serving in its Heart Center.
“I picked a career in healthcare for the flexibility,” says Tippie. “If you get ‘burnt out’ in one area, there are so many others that you can go into.”
The Heart Center, located inside the main hospital building, provides minimally and non-invasive diagnostic testing services like angiograms, pacemaker implantations, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests and more.
Tippie’s typical day includes setting up for the day’s procedures, performing pre-op with the patient and following through with their care until they are transferred to another department.
She says her favorite part of the job is one-on-one time with patients. Following the patient from when they arrive to when they’re transferred out of the Heart Center gives her the chance to establish a rapport with them and their family.
“I enjoy working for Ascension Via Christi in Pittsburg because the size of the facility allows us to provide our patients with a personal experience,” says Tippie.
As a reminder during Heart Month, Tippie suggests trying your best to eat healthy and stay active, even if it’s just a short walk. She also suggests listening to your body and not being afraid to ask questions when you have concerns.
To learn more about cardiac services at Ascension Via Christi, go to ascension.org/viachristiheart.
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About Ascension Via Christi
In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org