Franciscan Physician Network cardiac nurse saluted as ‘Health Care Hero’ by IBJ

Jean Hafley (front, wearing red) is congratulated on her award by IHP's (from left: Carolyn
 Smith and Drs. Harry Genovely, Mark Jones, Michael Barron and Polly Moore.

INDIANAPOLIS – Jean Hafley, LPN, is among the recipients honored as Health Care Heroes by the Indianapolis Business Journal for her commitment to patient care and long-time nursing career at Franciscan PhysicianNetwork Indiana Heart Physicians (IHP).

Hafley was the winner in the “non-physician” category and was recognized for her crusading work as an advocate for heart failure patients and their families.

The IBJ’s 2013 Health Care Heroes Awards breakfast was held earlier today (March 1) at the Conrad. This annual program recognizes individuals and organizations in the health care industry that make significant strides in health care improving the health and well-being of the community. 

She came to IHP in 2001 and began growing the services of the Heart Failure Care Clinic under the directorship of cardiologists specializing in heart failure. 

“Her commitment to the clinic is endless. Jean devotes large amounts of time to teaching patients and families about their new and chronic diagnosis of heart failure,” said Mary Benjamin, practice operations executive at Franciscan Physician Network. “Throughout the day she teaches about nutrition, salt restrictions and learning to manage the diagnosis. She can also be found lending an ear or a consoling shoulder to emotional family members coping with end-of-life issues.”

Hafley began her career as a volunteer “Candy Striper” and later earned her license practical nurse certification. She worked in the area of geriatrics and later joined Franciscan St. Francis Health as a bedside nurse. She then shifted to the outpatient setting working at the first heart failure clinic in Indiana within the cardiology practice of John C. Bailey, MD. 

“Hours after the office has closed for the day, Jean is often at her desk making phone calls,” Benjamin noted in her nomination letter for Hafley. “She checks to see how patients are feeling and making sure they are compliant with their medications. She has a genuine interest in their care, and patients feel as if Jean is a part of their extended family.”

Hafley’s recognition is not the first time a Franciscan staff member has been Health Care Heroes limelight. Click here to see who those recipients were.