BIDMC and the Red Sox Celebrate Nurses’ Week

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, the Red Sox and BIDMC recognize Lana Gavin, RN. Gavin is a nurse specialist for Interventional Cardiology in BIDMC’s CardioVascular Institute and a mentor to other nurses, teaching safe nursing skills to improve care for patients with serious heart conditions.

“Cardiovascular disease hits close to home for me,” says Gavin. “My uncle was only 36-years-old when he passed away from a massive heart attack. I was 14 at the time, and I couldn’t comprehend how such a tragic event could happen to someone so young. I knew from that point forward, I wanted to work in the medical field.”

Gavin says that the key for managing cardiac disease is education and prevention. “Understanding how to keep your body healthy at any age can make a big difference,” she says. “I’m blessed to be able to work with world-class physicians and a specialized group of nurses who have the tools to educate patients and improve care.”

Get to know this all-star nurse outside the hospital.

Q: Are you a baseball fan?

LG: Yes! Rooting for the Red Sox is something that was ingrained in me since I was a little girl. I grew up on the north shore of Boston and my mom religiously put the games on after dinner. I have such fond memories of sitting around the TV as a family.

Q: Did you ever play baseball or softball?

LG: Being tall, basketball was more of a natural fit for me. I never played softball but I think all team sports provide structure at a young age. Basketball definitely taught me some of the best life lessons.

Q: Who did you bring with you to Fenway for Nurses’ Week?

LG: My husband Mike, who is also a cardiologist at BIDMC, and my two daughters, Fay (5) and Cora (3). They both just started playing tee-ball this spring and could not have been more excited to join me on the field at Fenway!