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Jefferson Surgical Solutions

Authors

Chuck Rowland, MSN, CRNP, first came to Jefferson in 1986 as a newly graduated clinical perfusionist. Over the next 25 years, he worked in several states and returned to Jefferson as a perfusionist before pursuing a career in nursing. In 2007, he completed his BSN in Villanova University’s accelerated nursing program and continued his studies to earn his MSN as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in 2010.

Since April 2011, Rowland has been supporting Jefferson’s Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery as an outpatient nurse practitioner. More recently, he assumed additional responsibilities as director of the Smoking Cessation, Counseling and Therapy (SCCT) Program, for which he became a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist.

What is the SCCT Program?

The SCCT Program is a relatively new endeavor that began with the progressive ideas and support of Scott Cowan, MD, FACS, one of our thoracic surgeons. The program’s goal is to jumpstart smoking cessation prior to surgery. During the appointment process, we screen all patients for smoking. If the patient agrees, we schedule him or her for a separate appointment for smoking cessation planning.

We’ve designed the SCCT Program to provide one-on-one counseling tailored to individual patient needs. Each smoking cessation plan of care is formulated with patient input. For most patients, the goal is to quit smoking over a period of a few weeks – and then sustain that success over the long term.

What is your philosophy of patient care?

Patients are multidimensional. When they come to us with physical issues, they also bring social, cultural and spiritual dimensions. I believe it’s important to formulate a plan of care that incorporates and adapts to these needs.

What most energizes you about your career?

I’m energized by the ability to help patients navigate through their journey with cardiothoracic surgery and/or smoking cessation, which for most is a very stressful time. I always strive to help patients and their families truly understand what’s happening – from admission through final discharge and even weeks after surgery.

Learn more at: www.jeffersonhospital.org/SCCT

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