As cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death in the United States, the demands for qualified cardiac care nurses will only increase. Through the cardiac nurse career path, aspiring nurses or current nurses seeking advancement can explore unique opportunities beyond traditional nursing. The path is ideal for nurses who are interested in building upon their registered nursing skillset to specialize in the care of patients experiencing acute and chronic cardiac ailments.
Start, enhance, or advance a career in nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Providence. Built around the patient-centered care model, graduates of UP’s nursing degrees are not only ready to sit for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) but possess a foundational understanding of nursing practice and are equipped with the tools and skills needed to deliver quality, compassionate nursing care.
What is a Cardiac Registered Nurse?
Cardiac registered nurses, also known as cardiovascular nurses, are licensed, certified healthcare professionals who work alongside cardiac specialists and other providers to assist patients in the treatment, prevention, and recovery from acute or chronic heart diseases or conditions.
What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?
There are many roles and responsibilities within the cardiac nurse position, with many directed toward the care and treatment of patients facing acute and chronic heart or vascular conditions. Although specific roles and responsibilities may vary depending on whether a nurse is working with acute or chronic patients, many of the job responsibilities overlap and focus on performing key skills and responsibilities required of traditional nurses except within a specific patient population.
Common roles and responsibilities:
- Conduct cardiac health assessments on patients
- Monitor patient cardiac health for abnormalities or improvements
- Perform and assist with various cardiac stress tests and evaluations
- Provide post-operation care for cardiac or vascular surgery patients
- Coordinate and communicate care alongside specialists, physicians, and surgeons
Where Do Cardiac Registered Nurses Work?
Cardiac nurses primarily work in cardiac care facilities or cardiac care departments at large hospitals or clinics due to their specialized skillset in treating and assisting cardiac and vascular patients. Since cardiovascular issues are so prevalent across the United States and is among the leading causes of death in the country, cardiac and vascular care has seen a significant rise with more clinics, care facilities, rehabilitation centers, specialist offices, and research centers popping up. Cardiac nurses can find positions in many or all of these locations.
Common work locations include:
- Cardiac care centers
- Long-term cardiac care centers
- Cardiac rehabilitation centers
- Cardiac specialist offices
- Cardiac clinics and therapy centers
How to Become a Cardiac Nurse
The pathway to becoming a cardiovascular nurse combines academic and vocational requirements with leading professional certifications. After graduating high school, those interesting in becoming a cardiac nurse can pursue either an Associates Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While both paths can open the door to RN licensure and certification, many healthcare organizations are requiring nurses earn a BSN from an accredited university.
Following graduation and successful licensure through the NCLEX-RN exam, many aspiring cardiac nurses go on to gain practical experience in the field of nursing before pursing the position. In many cases, additional professional certifications can provide an extra boost in employment candidacy by providing specialized skills. While there is a wide array of professional certifications to pursue, a common professional certification pursued by them is the Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Common path to cardiac nurse career:
- Earn a high school diploma
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university
- Receive NCLEX-RN licensure
- Gain hands-on experience in nursing
- Pursue professional certification
Cardiac Registered Nurse Career Outlook
Cardiovascular nurses enjoy a variety of career benefits and growth opportunities following certification – including pathways into more advanced nursing roles, advanced practice nursing, or even administrative and educational roles. Since demand cardiac care is increasing, trends for cardiac nursing positions are expected to increase over time.
Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the nursing field to grow at a rate of 6% over the next ten years. Salaries for cardiac nurses are also higher on average than a traditional RN given their specialized knowledge and skill. While salaries range by state and employer, cardiovascular nurses can expect to make from $63,720 per year to $132,680 or more per year for more senior nurses. On average, cardiac nurses make around $94,480 nationally.
Learn more about how a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Online RN-BSN bridge program can lead to or build upon a career in perianesthesia nurse by visiting the nursing program page.
