Meet The Founder

​Hi, I'm Marlena—I’m so glad you're here! Thank you for visiting and considering me as your partner in emergency preparedness. A little bit about me: I'm a registered nurse, mentor, and the founder of Heart Defense, LLC.

 

​Heart Defense, LLC was created from my desire to serve individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and communities through CPR and safety education. Throughout my nursing career, I have seen the effectiveness of CPR and how knowing what to do in a critical moment can make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that lifesaving education should not be limited to healthcare professionals. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn the skills that could help save a life. 

 

With 19 years of nursing experience, I have had the privilege of serving in various areas of healthcare and education. My experience as a nursing professor and healthcare educator has allowed me to teach and mentor countless nursing students, paramedics, healthcare professionals, and individuals pursuing careers in healthcare. My background in nursing includes critical care, medical-surgical, cardiac observation, longterm acute care, health & rehabilitation, as well as orthopedic & joint surgery.

 

My Commitment to You​

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Whether you are a healthcare professional, an organization needing training for your employees, or someone who wants to learn how to simply save a life, I am committed to equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to respond in those critical moments. I look forward to working with you!

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- Marlena Hughes, RN, MSN-Ed.