After spending years caring for patients as an employee at Stewart Memorial Hospital & Clinics, Norma Wessling, CMA, recently found herself experiencing healthcare from a different perspective as a patient herself.
Following a heart attack earlier this year, Norma began participating in Stewart Memorial’s Cardiac Rehabilitation program. What started as part of her recovery journey quickly became an experience that deepened her appreciation for the care, encouragement, and connection provided through the program.
“I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about our cardiac rehab services until I began,” Norma shared.
She also noted that her initial concerns were less about the event itself and more about how it would impact her daily life.
“To be honest with you, it affected my job and travel,” she said. “That was probably more my worry than the actual heart attack.”
Now working closely with Shelly Hammen, RN, and Sarah Mowrey, RN, Norma says the experience has shown her firsthand how important support and encouragement can be during recovery.
“The girls make it enjoyable, fun,” Norma said. “You get to know them; they get to know you. It’s tough a little, but you always feel better when you’re done.”
Throughout the program, Norma has steadily built strength, confidence, and endurance. Each session is designed to safely challenge patients while helping them regain stamina and return to the activities they enjoy most.
“It does make me feel good after you’re done with the exercise,” she said. “I have more stamina.”
As both a Stewart Memorial employee and patient, Norma says the experience has strengthened her pride in the organization and given her a deeper understanding of what patients experience during recovery.
“It makes me feel proud to know we have this great program for our patients,” she said. “If I can help any of our patients with the reassurance to do it, not to be afraid, I think that’ll help strengthen my interaction with our patients.”
Now nearing the completion of the program, Norma hopes her story reminds others that recovery is possible and that they do not have to face it alone.
