Memorial’s Prasun named president of National Association of Heart Failure Nurses

[July 31, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – Marilyn Prasun, advanced practice nurse coordinator for Memorial Medical Center’s heart failure disease management program, was named board president of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses.

The national nonprofit association supports heart failure practice, education and research to promote optimal patient outcomes.

Prasun, of Decatur, works closely with heart failure patients transitioning home following a hospital stay and manages patients who require additional help to reduce the likelihood of being admitted to the hospital for heart failure. She has been with Memorial since December 2007; the heart failure program began in April 2008.

“Serving as president of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses is a tremendous privilege and honor. Nurses play a vital role in the management of heart failure patients and significantly impact their outcomes,” Prasun said. “These patients seek and receive care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, home health and extended care facilities. It is my goal and that of the association to address the heart failure nursing needs across the continuum to lead nurses in heart failure care. As a result, the association will continue to work to make a significant difference in the nursing profession and the lives of heart failure patients and their families.”

Prasun delivered her presidential address at the conclusion of the association’s 11th annual conference in New Orleans.

She and her husband, Monte, have two children and four grandchildren.

[Michael Leathers, Memorial Health Systems]