A Conversation with Dr. Tonya Newsom, DNP
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn
Every 34 seconds, someone in the United States dies from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a reminder that heart health is personal, urgent, and something we all need to take seriously.
As we enter February and honor American Heart Month, this edition brings a conversation that is both timely and transformative.
A Conversation Rooted in Wisdom & Compassion
This month’s guest is someone who has shaped my own nursing journey: Dr. Tonya Newsom, DNP, Lead Advanced Practice Provider for Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Mid-South. With over 30 years in nursing, 20 years in cardiovascular surgery, and 15 years as a nurse practitioner, she brings unmatched expertise, but it’s her compassion that leaves the deepest impact.
A Nurse Who Planted a Seed
Years ago, as a newly married bedside nurse trying to figure out if I could “do it all,” Dr. Newsom looked at me and simply asked:
“Why not?”
That moment planted a seed that grew into a master’s degree, more children, and now a podcast and a purpose. She is living proof that you can evolve, grow, and expand beyond what you first imagined. All you need is the heart to do so.
Understanding Cardiovascular Surgery & Heart Disease
Heart disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the heart’s structure and function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and problems with the heart valves or muscle. According to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, heart disease often develops over time as plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack or other complications.
When these conditions become severe, patients may require cardiovascular surgery, a specialized field that repairs blocked arteries, replaces or repairs valves, treats structural abnormalities, and supports the heart with devices such as LVADs. These surgeries aim to restore blood flow, improve heart function, and ultimately extend both the quality and length of a patient’s life.
“Heart disease doesn’t always look the same, especially in women.” –Dr. Newsom
While men frequently present with typical chest pain, women are more likely to experience atypical signs and symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Jaw or neck pain
- Decreased stamina
- A vague sense of “something isn’t right”
Dr. Newsom’s message is clear:
“Stay in tune with your body. Notice when something changes.”
Cardiothoracic teams commonly treat:
- Coronary artery disease (CABG/bypass surgery)
- Valve disease
- Pericardial effusions
- Advanced heart failure
- LVADs and artificial heart devices
Post-Operative Care & Recovery: What Patients and Nurses Should Know
“You don’t want to undo the surgeon’s work.” – Dr. Newsom
Recovery after heart surgery is about more than healing the heart—it’s about regaining strength, independence, and confidence.
Pain Management
Pain must be controlled so patients can move, breathe deeply, and participate in recovery.
Nurses should ensure:
- Pain is assessed consistently
- Medications are adjusted based on response
- Patients are comfortable enough to mobilize
“If they’re hurting, they won’t do the things that help them heal.”
Sternal Precautions
To protect the healing sternum, patients should:
- Avoid lifting more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks
- Brace with a pillow when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid pushing up with their arms
- Ride in the back seat to avoid airbag impact
Mobility Matters
Movement begins early—often within hours.
- Sitting up within 4 hours post-op
- Walking short distances
- Preventing blood clots and pneumonia
To patients, she offers this truth:
“Your nurse may seem mean, but they care. They’re trying to get you home.”
Lifestyle Changes That Save Lives
Dr. Newsom’s approach is realistic and sustainable:
- Quit smoking
- Walk daily—even to the mailbox
- Be mindful, not extreme, with diet
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Keep your follow-up appointments
- Take ownership of your health
“I don’t tell people to cut everything out. People become non-compliant. Be mindful, not extreme.”
Advice for New Nurses
For nurses entering intensive care or CVICU:
- Ask questions
- Read about your patients’ conditions
- Use pharmacists and seasoned colleagues as resources
- Observe skilled nurses and providers
- Stay curious
“Most people want to teach. You just have to ask.“
In Conclusion
February has a way of bringing us back to the heart, both the one beating in our chest and the one shaping our posture, our choices, and our capacity to love, serve, and grow. Whether your year started strong, started slow, or started in a way you never expected, this month invites a pause. A breath. A moment to check in with yourself.
We only get one body. Take care of it. Make one or two small changes at a time and build from there.” -Dr. Newsom
This is the month to listen.
- To your body.
- To your spirit.
- To the quiet places you’ve been too busy to notice.
The heart as an organ needs care, movement, nourishment, and attention.
The heart as a posture needs honesty, reflection, renewal, and grace.
As we honor Heart Month, let this be your invitation to examine the current state of your heart, physically and metaphorically. Notice what feels strong. Notice what feels tender. Notice what feels off. And then take one small, intentional step toward addressing it, whether that means scheduling a check-up, adjusting a habit, asking for help, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.
And as Psalm 51:10 reminds us, renewal is always possible:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
February Heart Month Call to Action
🧠 Be intentional about your health
👣 Move your body
📚 Learn your risks
💊 Take your medications
🫀 Protect your heart
Meet Our Guest: Dr. Tonya Newsom, DNP
DNP | Lead Advanced Practice Provider for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Listen & Take the Next Step
🎧 Episode: All One Nurse – “Heart Health Awareness and Navigating Cardiovascular Disease with Tonya Newsom.”
🟣Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-health-awareness-navigating-cardiovascular-disease/id1755700754?i=1000688881912
🟢Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wnDpfUgmMx7yrBouHeS0r?si=rIefQ7ZFQ3W67Pt2NePh0w
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Additional Credible Resources on Heart Health & Post-Op Care
Heart Health
- American Heart Association – Heart Disease & Prevention
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Heart Health: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart
- CDC – Women and Heart Disease: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm
Post-Operative Cardiac Surgery Care
- Cleveland Clinic – Cardiac Surgery Recovery Guide: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16841-cardiac-surgery-recovery
- Johns Hopkins – Life After Heart Surgery: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/life-after-heart-surgery
- AHA – Cardiac Rehab Overview: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-rehab
These links offer evidence-based, patient-friendly education that complements Dr. Newsom’s insights.
“Bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul.”- Nurse Shenell
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