30 Days of PH: PH Nurse

Jen Cueva avatar

by Jen Cueva |

Share this article:

Share article via email

View this post on Instagram

Day 7 of 30 Days of PH⁣⠀ ⁣Topic: PH Nurse⁣⠀ @tracey1221 shares what it’s like working with PH patients. ⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ I have been a heart failure nurse for 16 years. I was first exposed to pulmonary hypertension (PH), patients when I moved to Houston. In 2017 I moved to work at Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology. Before this job, I wasn’t exposed to the disease. I heard of it, but nothing more.⠀ ⁣⠀ While working with these patients, I realize that they are some of the most complicated and sickest patients. Often they travel hundreds of miles to get evaluated for treatment. It is a serious condition that will impact their lives tremendously. The symptoms are real and they will need a support system that will help them get through the lifestyle changes that they will have to make. These patients have to try several different regimens before they start to feel better. They are tired, short of breath, and most need oxygen just to do simple tasks. ⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ PH patients have taught me that being able to breathe and do simple activities of daily living should not be taken for granted. Most patients have needed to rearrange and change the way they live. They have had to quit jobs that they loved just to survive. Most of the patients that I see always have smiles on their faces and a sense of positivity, trusting their medical team. They are grateful for the healthcare team that is responsible for their care while waiting for their new set of lungs if a candidate. ⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ Most of the patients are compliant with their medication regimen and listen to what the doctor tells them because they want a positive outcome. Being in the healthcare industry, I’ve worked with a lot of sick patients. But, pulmonary hypertension has opened my eyes to a disease that most people are unaware of and much research is still needed.⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ Life is something that most people take for granted while working in the healthcare field. I’ve had to educate about the importance of incorporating a healthy lifestyle for the success of the patient’s disease process. Working with PH has been the most rewarding job I’ve had. I’ve had some success stories and I’ve had to mourn some losses. ⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ ⁣#30daysofPH ⠀ ⁣

A post shared by Pulmonary Hypertension News (@pulmonaryhypertensionnews) on

Print This Page

About the Author

Jen Cueva avatar
Jen Cueva Jen Cueva lives in sunny San Diego, California, with her husband and daughter. A former nurse, her life took an unexpected turn in 2005 when she was diagnosed with group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH). That experience reshaped her purpose, transforming her journey into one of advocacy, connection, and hope. As Manager of Partnership Relations on the Bionews Advocacy team, Jen collaborates with rare disease communities to build bridges and strengthen support systems for patients and caregivers. She also serves as a forum moderator for *Pulmonary Hypertension News*, where she writes a biweekly column exploring the emotional landscape of living with PH, from resilience and gratitude to the quiet power of community. Whether she’s sharing stories that uplift or offering words that remind others they’re not alone, Jen finds meaning in helping people feel informed, empowered, and seen. When she’s not writing or advocating, you’ll likely find her at the beach, on a coffee date, or simply enjoying the laid-back San Diego sunshine. Together, we PHight stronger.

Tags

30DaysofPH, awareness

Recent Posts


Recommended reading