"It’s important that my patients feel welcomed, loved, and confident that I’m there to keep them safe and provide the best care possible."
Nurse practitioner finds joy in helping others
For Jolene Cannady, DNP AGPCNP-C, healthcare has always been more than a profession — it’s a calling. Her journey into nursing began as a teenager when she volunteered as a candy striper at her local hospital. Growing up in a small town, Jolene would feed patients, take them for walks, and listen to their stories. She heard about life during World War II, farming without modern luxuries, and the many other experiences that shaped her patients' lives.
These interactions planted the seeds of a deep connection with her patients. “It was that connection that drew me into nursing,” Jolene reflects. “I wanted to help people improve their health and be there for them throughout their journey.”
The pit crew for geriatric patients
Today, Jolene serves as an adult geriatric nurse practitioner in primary care, drawing on 16 years of experience as a bedside nurse before pursuing her advanced degrees. Patients often ask her, “What is a nurse practitioner?” Jolene’s response is simple yet impactful: she’s trained to diagnose, perform full assessments, interpret labs, and prescribe medications — many of the things physicians do in an office setting.
However, she sometimes prefers a more personal analogy, especially for her NASCAR-loving patients: “I’m the pit crew, and my patients are the drivers,” she explains. “I keep the car running, but they’re in charge of driving it.” Jolene’s practice spans a wide range of ages, from teenagers to the elderly. Whether treating a sore throat or managing chest pain, she remains fully engaged with each patient, never bored by the diversity of cases.
A ray of sunshine in patient care
Known affectionately as “Dr. Sunshine” by her patients, Jolene is recognized for her vibrant personality and the bright colors she wears. But it’s more than just her appearance that earns her this nickname; it’s the warmth and connection she fosters with each patient.
One patient, burdened with chronic diseases, shared that visiting Jolene feels like catching up with a friend rather than a typical doctor’s appointment.
“That meant a lot to me,” Jolene shares. “It’s important that my patients feel welcomed, loved, and confident that I’m there to keep them safe and provide the best care possible.”
Empowering care with Eko's digital stethoscope technology
Jolene relies on Eko’s digital stethoscope technology to deliver this high standard of care. She initially purchased the 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope before the COVID-19 pandemic and was immediately impressed by how it enhanced her ability to hear heart and lung sounds, even through masks and PPE.
Now, with the Eko CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope, Jolene is more connected to her patients than ever.
"I love that it’s got the screen so I can see ECGs right there. When I’m listening, I can see their heart rate, which adds another layer of understanding."
“I love that it’s got the screen so I can see ECGs right there,” she says. “When I’m listening, I can see their heart rate, which adds another layer of understanding.”
When her office’s ECG machine malfunctioned recently, Jolene turned to her CORE 500™ and the Eko App, performing an ECG on her own. However, what stands out to her most is how this device strengthens the connection between her and her patients.
Building understanding one heartbeat at a time
With Eko’s technology, Jolene can do more than describe atrial fibrillation — she can let her patients hear it for themselves. This hands-on approach helps patients grasp what is normal and why certain heart sounds are concerning.
“As providers, we sometimes explain things that might go over a patient’s head,” Jolene notes. “But when they hear their heart sounds and compare them to mine, they gain a better understanding.”
This commitment to patient education and connection has defined Jolene’s 26-year career. Now, with the help of Eko’s digital stethoscope technology, those bonds are stronger and more meaningful than ever. “There’s immense satisfaction in using these digital stethoscopes,” she says. “They help me teach my patients, and that’s the most valuable thing I could ask for.”
Explore the CORE 500™ Digital Stethoscope and the 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope to find the best fit for your practice.
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