Today’s Friday Feature is Diane Holmes, MSN, FNP-BC, CHFN, CCTC. She is an advanced practice practitioner with Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute and cares for patients who need heart transplants and other advanced therapies. Diane loves seeing patients throughout their journey. “I get to see patients go from being at their sickest stage in life and then overcoming those hard times to have better quality days, experiences, and new memories with their loved ones that did not seem possible while living with heart failure.” Diane and her teammates build a special bond with their patients and caregivers, who become like extended family. She says these relationships are an example of the holistic care provided by a dedicated multidisciplinary team. “Seeing the impact of our care and the patient’s effort truly is rewarding each day,” Diane says.
While she has many memories of patients over the years, Diane remembers one young man from her days as a student. When she first met him, he was around 20 years old, a new father, and battling end-stage heart failure. Two years later, during her first month on the job, she saw him again as her own patient. He had been given an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) and eventually needed a heart transplant. Diane says being a part of his journey and watching him and his family grow was very special. “That’s what transplantation is about – it gives people a second chance at life. A chance to do the meaningful things that make life special – have a family, finish school, travel, fall in love, create new memories and just live a healthier life. A second chance at life leads to endless possibilities.”
Diane wants everyone to know that the donation and transplantation process is fair and regulated and not to believe everything on TV. Instead, she hopes people are inspired to leave behind a selfless gift for others, “As an organ donor, you have the unique ability to change the ending to someone’s story.”
