Portsmouth, Va. (June 4, 2007) – Courtney Bass, RN, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the new nurse practitioner with the Bon Secours Heart Institute. Prior to accepting this position, Bass worked as a nurse at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center for two years, primarily in the cardiovascular units.

Before coming to Bon Secours Maryview in 2005, Bass worked at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in telemetry and ICU. She also worked at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in the cardiothoracic surgery stepdown unit.

Bass graduated as a registered nurse from the Sentara School of Health Professions in 2002. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2004. In December 2006, she earned a master’s degree in nursing, with a family nurse practitioner concentration, from Old Dominion University.

            The Bon Secours Heart Institute, located at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, is affiliated with the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. The Institute opened in November 2005 and is the only open-heat surgery facility in Western Hampton Roads. Columbia University Medical Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital, ranked 8th by U.S. News & World Report in 2006, is among the nation’s best heart and heart surgery hospitals. Patients of the Bon Secours Heart Institute receive world-class cardiac care according to Columbia University’s proven methods, or “best practices,” before, during and after surgery.