Stephanie Short, APRN-CNP, specializes in congestive heart failure. Her professional areas of interest include cardiology with focus on heart failure, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary hypertension and amyloidosis.

Stephanie’s decision to pursue a career in health care came with ease after realizing she has always enjoyed working with people. “I became a CNA (certified nursing assistant) after a friend suggested I would like health care. I began working in a nursing home and realized I loved taking care of people. So, I decided to become a nurse to be able to do more for people,” she said.

Years later, Stephanie was studying, working on completing her nursing school when she found herself in an influential time in her life. She said, “While in nursing school my aunt had open heart surgery and I helped to take care of her afterwards. Through that I became very interested in cardiology and have done it ever since. As an APRN (nurse practitioner) I chose heart failure because I love that it is a long-term relationship with people, and I feel I can have a direct impact on their length and quality of life over time.”

Now, as Stephanie is a provider, she values her relationships with patients and likes to build them by simply talking. “I love hearing from patients about their backgrounds, families and things they love to do. Getting to know them helps me to care better for them,” she said.

Stephanie likes to remind patients that they are on a team, both working toward the goal of health and wellness. “It is a team effort to help you feel better and have the best life possible, so please call anytime you are concerned or need help,” she said.

When not working at the clinic, Stephanie enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and kids, running, reading and camping.

Stephanie said, “Something really cool about our clinic is we can perform IV diuresis to help prevent patients from admitting to the hospital. If the patient is really sick, we are also able to admit them directly to the hospital from our clinic.”