Celebrating American Heart Month

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation declaring February American Heart Month. Each year, February becomes the time to bring awareness to heart disease and to highlight preventative care. 

Preceptors play a vital role in American Heart Month by mentoring, teaching, and supporting students, ensuring that they develop the skills, evidence-based knowledge, and confidence needed to provide high quality cardiovascular care. Michelle LaClein has been a preceptor for 33 years at Portneuf Medical Center, having started one year after graduation. She has been working in nursing for 37 years, starting at Bannock County Hospital as a nurse’s aid while she was still in school. 

Idaho State University nursing students work alongside preceptors like LaClein, benefitting from their experience and expertise. With LaClein, students will spend at least a month working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where they will come across a wide range of patients and patient care. Students will assist their preceptor with patient care, aid with patient assessments, assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) care, perform dressing changes, and much more. 

“As far as having students in intensive care units, I think it really helps them see a wider range of patient care rather than being on the floor. We don't have CNAs so we do everything. We do all the bathing, toileting, ACLS, and walking. I think it gives the students a more rounded aspect of patient care,” said LaClein. 

She estimates that students are in ICU rotations for a total of 12 shifts over two years, giving them about six shifts a year. Nursing students are required to do clinical rotations for three to four months out of the semester, and have to do clinicals on every floor. The time they spend in the ICU can give them a lot of experience in even that little span of time. 

Often patients that come into the ICU are facing multiple issues at once. 

“Sometimes on the same patient they can see neuro, cardiac, or sometimes even sepsis,” said LaClein. “The wide range of conditions that students might encounter build critical skills and experience and help students to understand how multilayered and complex healthcare can be.” 

When it comes to heart disease, it can be significantly affected by other health conditions. Risk of heart disease is greatly increased by conditions like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or even autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. It is important for students coming into the field of cardiovascular care to be prepared to treat various health conditions. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, there were 915,973 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure. However, this is a significant decrease compared to the 941,652 CVD deaths recorded in 2022, highlighting the importance of preventative and educational care. 

Despite its prevalence, heart disease is largely preventable. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends a few ways of taking preventative measures. This includes choosing low sodium herbs and spices, managing stress, and getting good sleep. 

ISU’s Kasiska Division of Health Sciences also recommends ways you can make healthy changes that will lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure are important factors, as well as watching your weight. It is also recommended to quit smoking or to stay away from secondhand smoke, and if you drink alcoholic beverages, to do so in moderation. 

One of the most important factors is to get and stay active and physical activity is a great form of preventative care. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that some activity is better than none. If you move around a lot on campus or at work or take care of your living space, that can count as physical activity. 

A busy schedule can make these tasks difficult, so it is important to give yourself credit for what you are able to do, as preventative care can happen with small changes.

If you want to participate in American Heart Month, you can do so by bringing awareness to heart disease and by spreading the word about preventative strategies.