How to Become a Cardiac Nurse (CVICU)

1. Understand the role of a cardiac nurse

Cardiac nurses work with patients who have issues related to the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and vascular system. They are an important part of a team that includes cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons.

Cardiac nurses specialize in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with various heart conditions, such as:

• Congestive heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart muscle
• Coronary artery disease, which develops when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, slowing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of stroke
• Heart arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats abnormally

Cardiovascular nurses typically work in hospitals. Some areas they work in are:

• Cardiology or cardiovascular department, for patients who have acute and chronic heart conditions
• Cardiothoracic surgical unit, for patients who have undergone procedures like open-heart surgery
• ICU or Intensive Care Unit (ICU), for seriously ill patients who are recovering from life-threatening conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke.
• Cardiac catheterization lab or “cath lab,” working with doctors who perform minimally invasive tests to see the arteries, check blood flow to and from the heart, and may perform advanced cardiac procedures.

Cardiac nurses may also work in specialty pediatric hospitals, caring for infants, children and young adults who have issues with their heart and vascular system.

As a cardiac nurse, your job duties will vary based on your location and department, but general responsibilities include:

• Health assessment: Evaluating the patient’s health history, existing conditions and symptoms, as well as taking vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse.
• Administering medication and treatment: Managing medication dosage, monitoring any side effects, and inserting and removing IVs.
• Facilitate diagnostics and cardiac surgery: Administering tests such as echocardiograms and cardiac caths, as well as prepping patients for surgery and assisting during post-op care.
• Post-operative care: Observing and treating patients for any post-surgery complications, such as blood clots, infection or heart attack.
• Rehabilitation: Helping patients with post-operative doctor-prescribed treatments, such as exercise, diet or other lifestyle changes.
• Education: As a cardiac nurse, you’ll educate both patients and their families on care that was given, provide diet and lifestyle recommendations, and answer questions.

3. Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

The next step to becoming a cardiac nurse is taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

This exam tests students on the application and analysis using the nursing knowledge and training they gained in school. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and meet all your state’s licensing requirements, you will become a licensed RN.

5. Find a job and consider advancement

Once you have gained experience working as a cardiac RN, you can continue to expand your career opportunities with an advanced nursing degree. We offer a variety of nursing programs to help take your career to the next level:

• RN to BSN degree: If you initially earned an associate in nursing, you can enroll in an RN to BSN program to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 12 months. The online curriculum format is flexible and allows you to work around your schedule.
• MSN degree: An online Master of Science in Nursing degree can help prepare you for additional leadership and specialty positions in the nursing field. You can choose a specific focus such as nursing education, nurse practitioner and more.
• Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC): A post-master’s certificate in nursing can help MSN-prepared nurses branch out into additional areas. Choose from a variety of concentrations including nursing leadership, education and more.