When people ask me what a nurse practitioner (NP) does, I always say we're like midwives for adults. We get involved in all aspects of patient care. We treat people from the beginning of their hospital stay through discharge and usually see them again once they've left the hospital, at their post-op visit. Right after heart surgery, patients are transferred to the ICU. The NP keeps a close watch, since there's a 4 in 10 chance that patients will develop a fast or irregular heart rhythm that needs to be treated right away. We also look for symptoms of infection that can sometimes happen after surgery. It's very important to handle quickly any problem that arises. We keep on top of pain management too, ordering all medication and working with patients to make sure they're as comfortable as possible so the healing can begin. Social workers and physical therapists are also a key part of recovery. NPs work with them on a care plan, getting patients ready to go home. Our relationship with patients doesn't end when they leave the hospital. We're available in case they have any questions about their progress, especially about the medication they've taken home with them.

Patients see the NP one more time when they come back to the hospital for a follow-up visit. It's a good time to review their progress, check their dressing, and get a sense of how their lives are going since their surgery. We can fine-tune their medication and make other suggestions to help them heal faster.

—Laura Seche is the Nurse Practitioner Coordinator for the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital).