Connie Wilson’s Commitment to Restoring Heart Health

Daviess Community Hospital (DCH) is celebrating Cardiac Rehab Week by highlighting the transformative impact of cardiac rehabilitation on patients with heart conditions. At the center of this initiative is Connie Wilson, a registered nurse since 1985 who has dedicated much of her career to helping individuals recover from cardiac events and adopt heart-healthy lifestyles.

Connie’s journey in healthcare began with six years of experience in intensive care, neurosurgical, and cardiac critical care units. In 1991, she shifted her focus to cardiac rehabilitation—a field that allowed her to blend her clinical expertise with her passion for patient education and support. Within just three years, she also pioneered a pulmonary rehabilitation program at her former hospital.

Today, Connie is a full-time cardiopulmonary rehabilitation nurse at DCH, where she supervises monitored exercise sessions, performs patient assessments, and delivers personalized guidance.

“Cardiac rehab can be transformative for patients who have experienced heart challenges,” Wilson said. “Our program is designed to help people regain strength, build confidence, and learn how to prevent future cardiac events. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for patients to have a safe, guided path to recovery.”

Why Cardiac Rehab Matters

Cardiac rehabilitation typically includes:

• Structured Exercise: Individualized workouts to improve cardiovascular endurance
• Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on heart-healthy eating and dietary changes
• Stress Management: Techniques to reduce anxiety and encourage a balanced lifestyle

It’s often recommended for those who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, or who live with chronic heart disease. Research shows that participating in cardiac rehab can lead to lower hospital readmissions and better long-term health outcomes.

Connie Wilson’s Extensive Training

Connie holds bachelor’s degrees in organizational management and nursing, a master’s in nursing education, a doctorate in natural health, and a master’s in pastoral counseling and life coaching. She also maintains several certifications, including ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and AACVPR Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional.

“This work is my passion,” she said. “My goal is to empower patients with the information and motivation they need to truly take control of their heart health. Cardiac rehab is much more than exercise—it’s education, emotional support, and long-term risk reduction.”

Join the DCH Cardiac Rehab Program

As Cardiac Rehab Week draws attention to the nationwide benefits of cardiac rehabilitation, DCH invites community members to learn how its program can help them or their loved ones lead healthier, stronger lives.

To learn more about Daviess Community Hospital’s cardiopulmonary program, including Cardiac Rehab, call (812) 254-8895 or visit www.dchosp.org/our-services/cardiopulmonary/.