Heart & Soul: Kim Bennett’s Story of Compassion & Achievement
In the field of healthcare, there are individuals who go above and beyond mere duty. They are the ones who go the extra mile to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they care for – reaching far beyond medical charts and diagnoses. One such story is that of Kim Bennett, a cardiac device nurse at the Heart & Vascular Center of Watauga Medical Center. Bennett’s story is not just about personal achievement, but a testament to her dedication and commitment to patient care in our community.
Bennett’s career dates to 1998 when she played an instrumental role in the launch of the cardiac device clinic, serving as the sole device nurse during that period. “As our practice grew and technology advanced, so did our patient base,” says Bennett. “We grew to have over 3,000 patients.” Over time, cardiac device technology became more complex, a challenge that helped motivate Bennett to pursue a certification in cardiac device management.
The Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS) certification is an advanced credential for healthcare providers who specialize in managing and caring for patients with cardiac devices, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, or cardiac loop recorders. The CCDS certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and is internationally recognized within the field. The number of healthcare professionals in the U.S. who hold this certification is rare, and remarkably, we are fortunate to have two CCDS certified individuals here at the Heart & Vascular Center – Dr. Andrew Hordes and now Bennett.
The reason behind Bennett’s decision to pursue the CCDS certification was the undeniable impact it has on patient care. “Despite my many years of experience, this certification not only enhanced my knowledge and clinical skills but allowed me to help educate my peers and deliver the highest level of patient care,” says Bennett. “As a single working mother, I spent over a year to prepare for the exam. My experience in preparation and certification has made me a more valuable resource to my organization, colleagues, and patients.”
Kim Bennett’s journey to becoming a certified cardiac device specialist is a story of heart and soul. Her compassion for her patients and determination to go above and beyond – are qualities anyone can admire. This certification is not just an achievement, but a promise to her patients that they are receiving the highest standard of care.
To watch a video about Kim's certification, click here.
