Heart disease has a serious impact on the lives of millions of Americans and is reported by the CDC as the leading cause of death in both men and women. Cardiac registered nurses are certified, licensed nursing professionals who work alongside cardiologists and other cardiology specialists to provide care for cardiac patients in hospitals and specialist settings. Continue reading to learn more about cardiac nurses, what they do, and how you could become one.
What is a Cardiac Registered Nurse?
Cardiac registered nurses work alongside cardiac specialists and other members of the care team to assist patients in the treatment, prevention, and recovery from heart diseases or conditions.
What does a Cardiac Nurse do?
Cardiac nurses perform many of the same core nursing functions but apply them exclusively toward cardiac patients. Alongside their core nursing functions, cardiac registered nurses are also knowledgeable in cardiac care and treatment, making them valuable members of the cardiac care team. Cardiac nurses work with a variety of patients experiencing a variety of cardiac diagnosis, including patients seeking preventative, acute, or recovery care.
- Conduct cardiac health assessments
- Monitor cardiac health
- Perform various cardiac stress tests/evaluations
- Provide post-operation care
- Coordinate care alongside specialists, physicians, and surgeons
Where do Cardiac Registered Nurses work?
Cardiac nurses can be found working throughout healthcare, especially as cardiac care centers build and expand outside of the hospital setting. While most cardiac registered nurses will end up working in a hospital setting for a cardiac care unit, they can also be found working in long-term cardiac care centers, cardiac rehabilitation centers, large healthcare clinics, and other locations that serve cardiac patients.
How do you become a Cardiac Nurse?
The pathway to becoming a cardiac RN begins with the completion of a nursing degree, preferably a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing university. While nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing can become cardiac RNs, many healthcare employers strongly encourage nurses to obtain a BSN. Following successful licensure, many aspiring cardiac nurses go on to gain practical experience as an RN before pursing the position. In many cases, additional professional certifications can help provide an extra boost by providing specialized skills:
- Earn a high school diploma
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Receive NCLEX-RN licensure
- Gain hands-on experience (1-5 years)
- OPTIONAL: Pursue professional certification
Career Outlook for Cardiac Nurses?
Cardiac registered nurses can grow within the field of nursing inside or outside the cardiac scope of practice. Advancement within the field can include positions in nurse education or leadership. Cardiac nurses with a BSN can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing to open new and exciting doors in nursing while advancing their careers.
The road to becoming a cardiac nurse starts with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The University of Providence offers multiple BSN pathways designed to meet the needs of students across all different life points. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate considering nursing for the first time, a bachelor’s degree holder considering a career change, or a licensed registered nurse seeking a bachelor’s degree, all of our nursing programs provide students with quality, mission-focused, patient-centered care.
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