“I treat all of my patients as if it’s my mom on the table.”
After more than 20 years in cardiovascular (CV) care in Louisiana, Amanda Nigro wasn’t necessarily looking to start over. But when presented with an opportunity to lead the CV department at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, she saw the chance to take on a new challenge.
A cardiovascular care calling
Nigro’s mother is a nurse, but growing up, she never had a specific desire to become one.
“All through high school, I was always the one with the camera,” Nigro said. “One of my family friends […] was in X-ray school and she’s like, ‘Amanda, you take pictures all the time. You want to be in health care. Put the two together, go to radiology school.’”
Nigro enjoyed her time in radiology school, but after graduating and being assigned a night shift, she found herself looking for more. Her mother suggested she apply for a position in the cardiac catheterization lab, a move that would unexpectedly define the rest of her career.
“I applied for a position in the cath lab, had no idea what it was,” she said. “I’ve never looked back.”
Discovering a new passion
After working in various cardiovascular settings across Louisiana, Nigro learned how to “scrub in” to an operating room and assist with procedures.
“Learning how to scrub and actually being part of the procedure and talking the patients through the scariest time of their lives, that just changed everything for me,” she said. “Just as much as [they’re the doctor’s] patient, [they’re] my patient also.”
That realization shaped her approach to patient care. Cardiovascular care offered not only opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology, but also a connection with patients that became her reason to work in healthcare.
As her experience grew, Nigro found herself at the forefront of advancing cardiovascular care. She worked with highly specialized teams helping bring new technologies like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures, to patients who needed them most.
“I like being able to be hands-on right next to the physician,” she said. “Collaborating with [them] and talking about what’s the best next move.”
Investing in others
As her leadership skills grew, so did Nigro’s interest in helping to develop those around her. She hosted a weekend-long training session for her teammates and other healthcare professionals to earn their Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certifications.
Nigro earned her certification in 2014 and brought the training to multiple CV teams, demonstrating a deep commitment to mentorship and professional development.
“I’ve put on many classes to get as many people certified as possible,” she said.
Her efforts helped dozens of clinicians pursue advanced credentials and deepen their expertise in cardiovascular patient care.
Joining Seton Medical Center Harker Heights
After building her career in Louisiana, an unexpected opportunity offered a chance to make her mark on a cardiovascular program of her own. While on a travel assignment in Texas, she was approached about leading the CV department at Seton Medical Center.
Accepting the role meant changing more than jobs; her family needed to move. When she accepted the role of CV director, Nigro, her husband and their daughter, relocated to Belton, Texas.
“There aren’t many challenges I’m not willing to tackle,” Nigro said. “I was happy to be added to the team and take on a new challenge.”
Nigro brings her experience at larger hospitals to the smaller CV program at Seton Medical Center while learning the ins and outs of her new surroundings.
“It’s been eye-opening,” she said. “It’s a lot different from the hospitals I came from. This hospital is very small. Small but mighty is what they say.”
A vision for the future
Nigro sees opportunity for the cardiovascular program at Seton Medical Center. While she’s focused on continuing to grow existing services, she also hopes to expand services by bringing additional specialists, including a vascular surgeon, to the community.
Her goal is simple: continue growing cardiovascular services while ensuring patients receive high-quality care.
“Seton is a special place. I just hope that I am able to grow our department and make it the best cath lab around.”