Darlene K Vernon, CRNP

Darlene was insightful and compassionate.

Darlene listens and explains why additional tests are needed due to cancer meds. Always kind

I do not recommend Darlene Vernon, CRNP, due to consistently poor bedside manner, dismissive communication, and lack of appropriate guidance for a patient with a serious cardiac condition. I have seen Ms. Vernon multiple times, and every visit she entered the room with a noticeable attitude and spoke to both me and my mother in a condescending and dismissive manner. Despite my efforts to remain polite and cooperative, I was repeatedly made to feel talked down to, as if I were unintelligent or overreacting. When my first echocardiogram came back with concerning findings, “EF 35 to 40 percent. Hypokinesis largely global. In some views, inferolateral wall appears severely hypokinetic, possibly akinetic,” I called repeatedly for clarification. When she finally responded, she stated, “Technically it does show you are in heart failure, but I do not believe it. You do not look like you are in heart failure.” I was told to repeat the test weeks later. During that time, my symptoms worsened… significantly, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. During subsequent hospitalizations, I experienced multiple rapid responses, extremely low blood pressure and MAP, frequent fainting, an episode of SVT, and extreme heart rate fluctuations of very low to very high heart rates. Repeated echos showed EF values between 30-35% with global hypokinesis. Additionally, I underwent cardiac MRIs and a heart catheterization, all of which continued to confirm a diagnosis of heart failure. At my hospital follow-up visit, Ms. Vernon displayed a clear attitude, which felt rooted in frustration that the diagnosis she initially dismissed was confirmed. I was 23 years old, I just had my life completely turned upside down, and was met with disrespect rather than empathy. My primary concern is being in heart failure at a very young age. However, Ms. Vernon repeatedly redirected appointments to focus almost exclusively on POTS, despite my clear attempts to discuss my heart function, prognosis, and what I should be doing to protect my heart. POTS is a debilitating condition, but it is not known to cause structural damage to the heart. Ms. Vernon repeatedly suggested that my POTS caused my heart failure, yet was unable to provide any evidence or clear explanation to support this claim when asked. At one visit, when I specifically asked what activities she recommended, I was advised to continue exercising and horseback riding “as tolerated.” I followed this guidance. Shortly after, I fell from a horse and the horse fell on me, resulting in a serious concussion, a rotator cuff injury, and cervical nerve damage while already dealing with heart failure and POTS. While the accident itself was not her fault and not within her control, I believe clearer and more cautious guidance should have been provided given the seriousness of my condition. At my most recent visit, my mother was present. When my mother asked if there were additional options for POTS management, Ms. Vernon mentioned a POTS clinic in New Jersey. When asked for the name or address, she responded, “You can look it up on Google,” and provided no further information. This response felt unprofessional and dismissive. To make matters worse, Ms. Vernon documented in my chart that I was “irritated and oppositional,” despite the fact that I was advocating for myself regarding serious medical concerns that were repetitively dismissed and ignored. Moreover, she persistently suggested that my POTS caused my heart failure. When I inquired if she could provide evidence, as I’ve conducted extensive research and haven’t found any study, article, or even AI to support this claim when questioned, she merely responded with a dismissive “okay” and offered no evidence or explanation. Overall, I found Ms. Vernon to be disrespectful, unhelpful, and lacking compassion. Given the severity of my condition, I expected professionalism, education, and clear guidance, not attitude, dismissal, and poor communication. I strongly a

Yes I would recommend Dr. Veron to anyone

Good

Darlene is very thorough, caring and personable. Easy to talk to and understanding of patient concerns

Simply put Darlene is the best

This was the first time I went to Darlene, and I thought she was very good.

All good

Great