The diagnosis of heart disease can often bring a variety of concerns and questions, leaving you wondering what to do next. At Penn Heart & Vascular at Chester County Hospital, experienced nurse navigators are available to support you through your care.
Focused on your individual needs, nurse navigators provide guidance through all phases of the cardiovascular continuum. From testing and diagnosis, to treatment, rehabilitation, secondary prevention and even after discharge. They serve as an important bridge between physicians and clinical services, ensuring you have the resources needed through each step of your care plan.
Meet Chester County Hospital’s Nurse Navigators
Donna Taylor, RN, MSN, CCRN
What is your background?
I have been with Chester County Hospital for over 25 years and have a background in critical care and cardiac nursing. I also earned my Master of Science in nursing, specializing in Leadership in Healthcare Systems in 2016. For the past eight years, I’ve been a heart and vascular nurse navigator where I educate patients and help them coordinate services.
The navigators are a key resource for patients after they’ve been discharged from the hospital. We call to check on their condition, review medications, clarify directions from their physicians, and also schedule follow-up appointments. Every patient has our cell phone number so that we can be available to them whenever they may need us.
My role has been evolving as our cardiology services grow. In addition to patient navigation, I am also a cardiothoracic transitions coordinator. I work with the surgical team to help patients before and after their surgery. I also have the honor of being a writer for our next Magnet submission.
What inspired you to choose your career and work in health care?
I consider myself a “people person.” I always want to support people by helping them get healthier and make their life easier. I chose nursing because it is the one career you can help someone during some of their most difficult times and really make a difference.
What do you love most about your job?
I love developing relationships with patients and helping them live their healthiest life possible.
If you were to offer one tip about heart health, what would it be?
Get up and move – it will make you feel better physically and mentally. Exercise is just as important as the medication a patient takes to prevent a secondary cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation is a great way to begin a fit lifestyle after experiencing a major heart condition.
In your opinion, what differentiates the care at Chester County Hospital?
Our nurses genuinely care about our patients and go above and beyond. The nurses add to the “secret sauce” that make Chester County Hospital excellent. I am honored to be a part of this extraordinary team.
Jennifer Ciccarelli, RN, BSN, CCRN
What is your background?
I have been a nurse specializing in intensive care and cardiology for 25 years. I’m currently a heart and vascular nurse navigator and the charge nurse in the cardiac catheterization lab at Chester County Hospital and have been here since 1991.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Delaware in 1990 and have my CCRN, a nursing certification for the care of acute and critical care patients. I’m presently in graduate school studying for an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree. As Chester County Hospital grows, I hope to continue to care for cardiac patients in an enhanced role.
What inspired you to choose your career and work in health care?
I always took care of my brothers and sisters when they got sick. Caring for others has always come naturally to me, which is what inspired me to become a nurse.
What do you love most about your job?
The best part of my job is being able to help people.
If you were to offer one tip about heart health, what would it be?
Exercise regularly and make sure you’re eating a heart healthy diet. Think fruits and vegetables, whole grains, less unhealthy fats and smaller portion sizes.
In your opinion, what differentiates the care at Chester County Hospital?
The nurses and the care they provide are really what makes Chester County Hospital different from other hospitals. They are well-educated and genuinely care about patients. They are always striving to do what is best for their patient – and they smile while doing it!
What is your background?
I earned my Bachelor of Science in nursing 18 years ago at Temple University. I first started my nursing career working in a specialty heart failure care unit and transitioned to critical care nursing. I spent nine years as a nurse in a combined cardiac and cardiovascular surgical Intensive Care Unit. Prior to joining to Chester County Hospital, I was a heart failure coordinator where I focused on coordinating care for this high risk population, often providing education while building a bond with patients that needed close follow-up. It was great experience for my present position as a heart and vascular nurse navigator, which I’ve been for almost 2 years.
What inspired you to choose your career and work in health care?
My mom said that when I was five-years-old, someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said, “I want to be a nurse so I can help people.” I think I was born to be a nurse!
What do you love most about your job?
I have taken care of so many amazing people throughout my career. The impact that they have had on my life makes this job great.
If you were to offer one tip about heart health, what would it be?
It is never too early or too late to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
In your opinion, what differentiates the care at Chester County Hospital?
Everyone here takes pride in their work and works as a team to give the patients the best possible experience and outcome.