Piedmont Cartersville nurses bring heart health to life for Clear Creek Elementary students

Cartersville, Ga. (December 11, 2025) – Clear Creek Elementary’s fourth graders gathered in the cafeteria for a unique learning experience that transformed the space into a miniature cardiac catheterization lab. Leading the hands-on presentation were three registered nurses from Piedmont Cartersville’s cardiovascular services—Nicole Hartbank, Stephanie Newby and Beth Byrne. Their goal was simple yet vital: to help students understand how the heart works and why healthy habits are essential for lifelong wellness.

The nurses began by introducing themselves and explaining their roles inside Piedmont Cartersville’s cath lab and cardiac stress lab. In this specialized area, doctors and nurses perform life-saving procedures to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart. Using vivid images and real equipment, they showed students what happens before and after a coronary intervention, including how stents and balloons are used to treat blockages.

From there, the lesson moved into the science behind heart disease. Students learned that coronary artery disease occurs when arteries become clogged, preventing the heart from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. The nurses compared clogged arteries to blocked pipes in a home, making the concept relatable and easy to understand.

To keep the energy high, the team led a “Heart Workout,” a fun exercise routine designed to get blood pumping and demonstrate how the circulatory system responds to movement. Students hopped, twisted, and ran in place before checking their own pulse on their wrist or neck. The nurses explained how the heart, lungs, arteries, and veins work together to deliver oxygen throughout the body.

The presentation didn’t stop at anatomy. Using a model of the heart and diagrams of coronary arteries, the nurses explained what happens during a heart attack and why recognizing symptoms—such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue—can save lives. They even demonstrated how an EKG machine works and invited volunteers to place leads on a paper mannequin, simulating what happens in a real hospital setting.

Students also got a close-up look at the tools used in cardiac procedures. The nurses showed how a catheter is inserted through the wrist to reach the heart, how a balloon is inflated to push plaque aside, and how a tiny stent—similar to a piece of chain-link fence—keeps the artery open. These hands-on demonstrations provided students with a rare glimpse into the field of interventional cardiology.

The session wrapped up with practical advice for heart health: eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking or vaping. The nurses emphasized that while kids can’t always control their environment, they can make healthy choices whenever possible.

“We wanted the kids to know that even at their age, healthy choices matter,” said Byrne, RN, clinical manager of the cath lab and cardiac stress lab at Piedmont Cartersville. “If they start thinking about heart health now, they can build habits that last a lifetime.”

Lori Rakes, CEO of Piedmont Cartersville, praised the initiative: “Community education is a cornerstone of Piedmont’s mission. When our clinical teams take their expertise beyond the hospital walls, they empower families to make healthier decisions. This outreach reflects our commitment to improving lives, one heart at a time.”

For the students, the day was more than a science lesson—it was an unforgettable experience that combined education, fun, and real-world healthcare. For Piedmont Cartersville, it was another step toward building a healthier community.