This month, the CV Team Section is highlighting some of the newly designated Associates of the American College of Cardiology (AACCs). The AACC designation was created to recognize CV Team professionals who, through advanced education, training and professional development, have dedicated themselves to providing the highest-level of cardiovascular care. Read below to learn about some of the new designees and what having an AACC credential means to them.

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Dawn G. Lovejoy, BSN, RN-BC, AACC, from UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO.

Provide an overview of your work responsibilities.
I am a clinical coordinator for education in the invasive cardiology lab at UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. My job is to direct patient care for invasive cardiac, electrophysiology, neurological and peripheral procedures. I am also a relief charge nurse and preceptor. I provide cardiac education to hospital-wide staff and make arrangements for regular education regarding procedures and equipment for invasive cardiology staff.

What are your career goals?
I have been in my position for less than a year now, so I am content at the moment. However, I have thought about getting a Master's Degree in Education at some point in the future.

Why did you decide to pursue the AACC designation (motivation/drivers)?
The great majority of my 26 years of nursing has been with cardiac patients in step-down units, a medical-cardiac unit, cardiac care unit, intensive care unit and invasive cardiology. Perusing an AACC designation was the next step for me to show my professional commitment to quality cardiovascular patient care. I also wanted to set an example of professional growth and development for other nurses at my hospital. We are a rapidly growing health system in this area of Colorado and want to show our dedication and ability to provide next-level, skilled cardiac patient care.

How will your new AACC designation assist you in achieving your career goals?
I have started to think differently about how I gather information, perform research and pass on knowledge to the staff through classes or written communication. It has been extremely helpful to have the ability to access ACC resources on the most up-to-date, evidence-based articles about whatever topic I am looking to expand on. Becoming an AACC can help me reach out to other members of the CV Team to ask for advice on how they are performing or teaching so I can do the same for my staff. I believe those skills will assist me in my future goal of getting my Master's Degree in Education.

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Patricia Keegan, DNP, NP-C, AACC, from Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, GA.

Provide an overview of your work responsibilities.
I work in clinical care and program management for Emory Heart and Vascular Center in Atlanta, GA.

What are your career goals?
My main career goal is to continue growing heart and vascular programs while ensuring patients remain the top priority.

Why did you decide to pursue the AACC designation (motivation/drivers)?
I decided to pursue an AACC designation to continue evolving as a provider, educator and leader. My goal is to provide the highest level of care and educate other CV Team members in the development and adoption of evidence-based care.

How will your new AACC designation assist you in achieving your career goals?
My new AACC designation will provide validation to the importance of CV Team members in the heart and vascular space.

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Jill K. Carr, NP, AACC, from Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.

Provide an overview of your work responsibilities.
My job consists of various responsibilities such as providing comprehensive outpatient history and physical examination and initiating and managing medical therapy. I consult other services when indicated and admit patients from clinic when appropriate. My job also entails ordering diagnostics such as laboratory, cardiac magnetic resonance images, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, nuclear stress testing, dobutamine stress tests, treadmill stress tests, cardiac computed tomography and heart catheterizations. Furthermore, I review consults inpatient and outpatient in rotation with other providers for appropriateness, and triage consults to the appropriate person or clinic. I provide education and support to patients and family members and collaborate with treating physician and clinical staff to coordinate care address issues and improve patient outcomes.

What are your career goals?
My main career goal is to provide safe, quality care and continue providing up-to-date cardiovascular care to enhance clinical and leadership skills.

Why did you decide to pursue the AACC designation (motivation/drivers)?
I decided to pursue an AACC designation because I reached the point in my career where I endeavored to enhance even further competent cardiovascular care.

How will your new AACC designation assist you in achieving your career goals?
AACC designation will hopefully increase the opportunities available to me to pursue my goals.

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Suzanne S. Inglis, RN, MSN, AACC, from the American College of Cardiology in Dublin, OH.

Provide an overview of your work responsibilities.
I am an accreditation review specialist at the ACC. My role is to navigate and review standards for Chest Pain Accreditation.

What are your career goals?
My overall career goal is to work with the ACC until retirement and provide review services to hospitals nationally.

Why did you decide to pursue the AACC designation (motivation/drivers)?
I decided to pursue an AACC designation because as an employee of the ACC, I believe it is important to have the highest standards associated with my work.

How will your new AACC designation assist you in achieving your career goals?
The new AACC credential will assist me in achieving my goals by adding more credibility as I perform my daily work responsibilities.

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This article was authored by Jonathan B. Jennings, RN, MBA, assistant vice president of Cardiovascular and Neuroscience Services at HCA Healthcare in Nashville, TN.