Spreading her infectious positivity and a passion for patient education everywhere she goes, A/Associate CNC at PA Hospital, Bella Cole is putting the heart in the Heart Recovery Service (HRS).
Between providing clinical support, patient education, and leading the HRS’s cardiac rehab and heart failure rehab exercise programs, Bella has placed person-centred care at the heart of her practice and sealed her early career reputation as one of PAH’s most fun and engaging clinicians.
A fateful career launch at Cairns Hospital Cardiology Ward sealed Bella’s calling in cardiac nursing. Before long, Bella relocated to Brisbane, where she spent some time at the Prince Charles Hospital Coronary Care Unit before moving to PAH’s HRS in 2020 and rediscovering her love for patient education.
“I’ve always loved working in Cardiology and educating patients at the bedside, which is what led me to the HRS role. I’m really passionate about educating patients to understand their cardiac condition and learn to advocate for themselves,” she said.
By 2022, Bella took the opportunity to reopen the cardiac rehab and heart failure exercise and education programs, a joint collaboration with PAH physiotherapists Rita Hwang and Luke Zannes.
Today, Bella thrives at the helm of the HRS rehab programs, where she educates and inspires 40 outpatients each week to live their best lives through fun and engaging gym sessions.
From introducing themed dress-up days, to providing handmade ‘graduation’ gifts and caps, and implementing a dedicated peer support education corner where patients swap healthy living advice and recipes, Bella’s above-and-beyond initiatives are injecting oodles of fun into the program and resonating with both participants and staff.
“I was excited by the opportunity to support patients to make long-term lifestyle changes and reduce their risk of future cardiac events through the exercise and education programs,” she said.
“I love to work with patients in the gym, as it’s different from the clinical setting we normally see patients in. I get the opportunity to make the environment to exercise and learn about their heart fun and engaging. We have many fantastic success stories, and I always love seeing patients at follow-up appointments and hearing about their amazing progress since finishing the program.”
With rehab participation numbers on the rise and improved patient outcomes demonstrably pointing to Bella’s positive influence at the unit, Bella says her greatest motivation remains with her patients.
“I remember the very first patient I saw in cardiac rehab, who had his life changed by our program. He learned how to safely exercise with his heart condition and the program gave him the confidence to leave the house, meet others, and as a result, significantly improved his physical and mental health. That has been a career highlight for me.”
With positive feedback rolling in from clinicians and patients, Bella looks forward to many more success stories at HRS.
“I look forward to meeting new patients and supporting them to make life-changing choices for their health. We continually assess our service and how we can be more patient-focused, which is always our priority,” she said.
Cited for fostering a fun and supportive environment and leading exemplary patient-centred programs at the HRS, Bella claimed the 2023 MSH People Focus Award.
Congratulations on this fantastic achievement, Bella, and thank you for your continued commitment to your patients.