Vicki R. Leist, APRN-CNS, RNFA, specializes in cardiovascular and thoracic (CVT) surgery at Oklahoma Heart Institute. Her professional areas of interest include nutrition and glycemic control in cardiothoracic patients.
Vicki’s inspiration to pursue a career in medicine was to simply help people. It was at the beginning of her career in 1996 when she became a licensed practical nurse (LPN) that she knew CVT surgery would be her specialty for years to come. “The majority of my career has been focused on cardiothoracic surgery and I enjoy the challenge and complexity of this life-changing specialty,” she said.
Vicki focuses on building relationships with her patients by treating each person as an individual with unique needs and respecting their wishes. Advice that Vicki passes along to her patients is to listen to your body.
Vicki’s education and career experience include:
• Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) certification from the National Institute of First Assisting in Denver, CO, 2014
• Master of Science in Nursing with a clinical nurse specialist (MSN-CNS) focus from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Tulsa, OK, 2013
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Tulsa, OK, 2005
• Associate degree in licensed practical nursing (LPN) at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, TX, 1996
When Vicki isn’t working, she enjoys medical mission trips and outdoor activities.
She welcomes new patients and accepts most insurance plans at the following location:
Oklahoma Heart Institute
1265 S. Utica Ave., suite 105
Tulsa, OK 74104
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 918-749-6400.