The major purpose of this experimental study is to test the effects of the symptom management home care nursing intervention (SMHCNI) on recovery outcomes of elderly CABG patients, using a randomized, two group (n=284) repeated measures design with measurements at discharge, at 3 and 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. One group will receive the intervention and routine care (RC) and the other group will receive RC only. The major aim will be to determine if the intervention group will demonstrate: better physiological functioning (decreased symptom interference on physical functioning; better scores on the SF36 subscales: physical, role-physical and vitality, and increased activity and exercise energy expenditure); better psychosocial functioning (decreased symptom interference on enjoyment of life; and better SF36 subscales; role-emotional, social, mental, and vitality); and fewer postoperative problems (e.g. infections, fluid in lungs, heart rate rhythm problems). Additional outcomes for secondary aims are: lower levels of health care utilization (HCU) (i.e., fewer number of visits to health care providers, fewer number of emergency department visits, fewer number of home health visits, fewer rehospitalizations); and higher patient satisfaction (with level of functioning and care received). In addition this study will examine the potential effects of mediating (evaluation of symptoms, and perceived self-efficacy), and moderating variables (participation in cardiac rehabilitation) with the intervention on outcomes identified.