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.