How to become A Cardiac Nurse

Widely hailed as heart whisperers, Cardiac Nurses put their hard-earned knowledge of hemodynamics and cardiac anatomy to prevent, diagnose and treat heart-related health concerns in patients of all ages.

• Cardiovascular Nurse
• Cardiology Nurse

What do Cardiac Nurses do?

A Cardiac Nurse would typically need to:

• Play a vital role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic conditions affecting an individual’s cardiovascular and pulmonary systems
• Provide optimal cardiac and vascular monitoring and ongoing care to help patients manage heart conditions, such as heart disease, heart attacks, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure
• Evaluate a patient’s medical history, existing conditions, and symptoms for signs of heart-related health problems
• Take vital signs, listen for irregular heart sounds, monitor patient intake and output, take pulses in all extremities, and check overall skin colour; interpret essential ECG readings and stress test results; note any abnormalities
• Think critically and evaluate the available data to form a clear clinical picture that will enable proper patient care before, during, and after prescribed intervention
• Carry out customised patient pain relief and sedation through pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention
• Manage a patient’s medications and their side effects; adhere strictly to the physician’s orders regarding the administration and dosage of medication
• Insert, maintain, care for, and remove a patient’s IV, chest tubes, PICC lines, and other invasive monitoring equipment according to the physician/surgeon’s recommendations
• Provide cardiac life support treatments and post-operative care to patients recovering from heart transplant or bypass surgery
• Handle emergency cardiovascular episodes; identify critical conditions and take suitable action to contact the physician for surgery, rapid response, or ICU care
• Continue to observe patients in post-operative care for complications, such as infection, haematoma, heart attack, and blood clots 
• Monitor the patient’s response to treatment; update the cardiac physician and pertinent support staff on the current condition of their patients; assist in adjusting treatment plans, if necessary
• Communicate effectively and efficiently with cardiologists, patients, and colleagues; educate patients and their families on ongoing management and further prevention of heart-related health conditions
• Help patients who experienced a severe cardiac illness or surgery return to routine through exercise, diet, and other essential lifestyle changes in  a cardiac rehabilitation clinical setting
• Assist in the design and implementation of appropriate exercise programmes for cardiac and pulmonary patients, stress testing, cardiac monitoring, and patient education
• Document interventions, assessments, and treatments in an extensive and well-maintained manual or electronic medical record system

Cardiac Nurses work in diverse healthcare settings, including ICUs, surgical units, post-operative wards, diagnostic/rehabilitative cells, and outpatient facilities. Alternate work environments include patients’ homes and public facilities.

Cardiac Nurses typically work in teams with fellow nurses and under the supervision of cardiologists and heart surgeons. International assignments usually mean extended periods away from home and family. One may need to travel to patients’ homes and public facilities in different areas.

Since most are employed in hospitals and care facilities that provide 24/7 services, Cardiac Nurses typically work long and irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Some may need to be on call to attend to emergency patient situations.

Research suggests that flexible hours appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in the number of employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules as per the job demands.

Finding a new job may be challenging. Cardiac Nurses can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

They may be employed by healthcare facilities or work with them on an independent contractor basis. They may also choose temporary locum tenens positions offered by practices, hospitals, or healthcare organisations with an unfilled clinical need. Overseas assignments in countries requiring Cardiac Nurses' services are a popular option.

Cardiac Nurses are generally employed by:

• Hospitals
• Medical Clinics
• Cardiovascular Centres
• Rehabilitative Facilities
• Outpatient Centres
• Physicians’ Offices
• Healthcare Centres
• Educational Institutions
• Local Community Centres
• Home Health Agencies
• Nursing Homes
• Correctional Facilities
• The Military

Healthcare associations, such as The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions (ACNAP), provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers. Affiliated Cardiac Nurses may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the latest breakthroughs and developments, including plum jobs. 

• An extremely stressful work environment that requires constant monitoring and care of patients with cardiac conditions
• Physical and mental exhaustion due to prolonged and irregular work schedules as a consequence of high patient loads in extremely busy cardiac care units
• Emotional stress from caring for patients with life-threatening cardiac conditions
• Complex cardiac care that can prove intimidating if not accompanied by skill in managing the wide range of cardiac conditions and using the latest medical interventions and technologies
• Lack of effective collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team resulting in less than desirable patient outcomes

Typically, any academic program that a potential Cardiac Nurse takes up requires clinical training where the students benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. In addition, one may hear countless stories and obtain valuable hands-on experience from more experienced professionals who can turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Aspirants who enrol in an employer-led nursing degree apprenticeship programme combining paid work with requisite nursing studies may also qualify for a nursing licence that seamlessly leads into cardiac nursing. Employers partner with education providers to provide nursing education to interns in their healthcare centres. 

Some governments offer practitioner training programmes to prospective Cardiac Nurses with an accredited bachelor’s degree in cardiac physiology. Others require over two years of registered nursing experience and over 2,000 hours of clinical experience in cardiac-vascular nursing from interested candidates. Your supervisor and cardiology team may be able to guide you through the process.

To show their commitment to the long qualifying period, every applicant to a nursing program needs work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust. It will help them understand some of the physical and emotional demands of a career in nursing.

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their cardiology departments, specifically for secondary school students interested in a nursing degree and a career as a Cardiac Nurse. It can be a helpful way to gain insight.

Read about the profession, perform community service, undertake relevant research, and interview/ job shadow experienced Cardiac Nurses to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

It helps to document any of the experiences mentioned earlier on letters of recommendation to be submitted with nursing school applications. 

The experiences may also help you determine whether the public, private, or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions. Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about work placements, apprenticeships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors.

The best place to set in motion the steps necessary to become an accomplished Cardiac Nurse is secondary school. Recommended college preparatory courses include maths and natural sciences. English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.

A two-year ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is the minimum academic qualification to become a Cardiac Nurse. However, most employers prefer applicants with at least a four-year BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or BSc (Hons) degree in healthcare science (cardiac physiology) from an accredited education provider. 

An ideal academic programme offers the students a comprehensive knowledge of cardiovascular health, anatomy, and physiology with application to exercise and the practicalities of working with a patient experiencing heart-related health concerns. In addition, aspiring Cardiac Nurses become familiar with current practices and approaches to providing optimal patient care.

Relevant alternate degree subjects worth considering include physiology and human biology. Becoming a Cardiac Nurse with only a high school diploma is rare but possible if one earns the requisite credentials and work experience.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Some universities may accept alternative or equivalent qualifications; check with the university or visit their website before applying. Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.

After graduating from a basic nursing programme, aspiring Cardiac Nurses can apply for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) Licence to prove their nursing skills and knowledge. Successful candidates can apply for an RN licence with their local licensing board.

Although the NCLEX-RN is specific to the United States, it is internationally recognised as a valid, reliable, and standardised measure of nursing competence that guarantees quality patient care and safety. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

RNs with at least two years of full-time nursing experience can be eligible for the RN-BC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified) when they accumulate at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience and 30 hours of continuing education in cardiac-vascular nursing within the last three years.

Certification demonstrates a Cardiac Nurse’s competence in an essential skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Employers prefer potential hires to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS); other accredited certifications that may enable Cardiac Nurses to provide outstanding care to patients with cardiac conditions in any healthcare setting, regardless of geographic location, include adult cardiac medicine, adult cardiac surgery, acute cardiology care, non-acute cardiology care, catheterisation laboratory nursing, and cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac Nurses may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Cardiac Nurses who may become Specialist Nurses in Cardiovascular Healthcare or Cardiac Care Nurses. Some may be keen to dive deeper and become APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) or Cardiac Nurse Practitioners, who can work in private cardiology clinics and see their own patients.

If the nurse practitioner route does not appeal to you, it is possible to switch focus and rise to more administrative Nurse Manager or academic Nurse Trainer positions.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and interesting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.

Cardiac Nurses with an MSN, NCLEX-RN credentials, accredited certifications in BLS and other speciality areas, significant clinical experience, and a dedication to superior patient care and safety have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for public well-being and career progression in the healthcare sector. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Cardiac Nurses.

Most new hires receive one to three months of intense, post-employment, on-the-job training on skills and techniques required for a specific job and employer. You must be equally committed to familiarising yourself with the latest research, technologies, and treatments in the constantly evolving field of cardiac care.

A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or even a doctorate in nursing, cardiology, or other related courses will help you advance your career as a Cardiac Nurse or move into administrative or teaching positions. Many educational programmes can be pursued part-time and will not hinder your work. 

CPD also enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences. Additional certifications from an objective and reputed organisation can increase your chances of advancement and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

Advances in medical technology and treatments and an ageing baby boomer population with an attendant demand for healthcare services, including cardiac and cardiovascular care, will positively impact the job growth of competent Cardiac Nurses.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Cardiac Nurses have more flexible work schedules and locations. They own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Cardiac Nurse has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Alternate Modes of Employment

Some Cardiac Nurses work as independent contractors. Locum tenens (“place holder”) is an alternative to more permanent employment. Locum tenens positions are temporary (up to a year) and offered by practices, hospitals, or healthcare organisations with an unfilled clinical need. The compensation rate is generally higher than what the permanent position would suggest. Locum tenens allows Cardiac Nurses to gauge a specific type of practice or location without committing to long-term employment.

To Put It Briefly

Cardiac Nurses use various devices to diagnose, monitor, and treat heart-related conditions.

EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram) machines measure the heart's electrical activity and diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure. Heart monitors are portable devices that patients wear for 24-48 hours to monitor their heart rhythm continuously. Analysis of the resultant data helps identify abnormalities.

Patients use implanted pacemakers and defibrillators to regulate their heart rhythm and prevent dangerous arrhythmias. Cardiac ultrasound machines use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the heart and diagnose conditions such as congenital heart defects and valve disorders.

Cardiac Nurses use exercise stress testing equipment to monitor a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs while they perform physical activities to assess their cardiovascular health. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines help treat sleep apnea, which can contribute to heart disease.

An LVAD (left ventricular assist device) is a mechanical pump implanted in a patient with severe heart failure as a temporary measure to keep the patient alive until they can receive a heart transplant or, in some cases, as a long-term treatment for the condition. 

A balloon pump or an IABP (intra-aortic balloon pump) is a temporary device used for a few days to a few weeks to improve blood flow and reduce the workload on the heart in patients who experience heart attacks or cardiogenic shocks.

A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line is a long, thin, flexible tube inserted through a vein in the arm and threaded into a larger vein near the heart to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream of patients who require long-term intravenous therapy.

A chest tube, or thoracostomy tube, is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall to drain fluid, air, or blood from around the lungs where it has accumulated due to pneumonia, surgery or trauma.

CTC angiograms, or CT colonography angiograms, are a medical imaging test that combines computed tomography (CT) scans with contrast material to visualise the blood vessels of the colon and rectum. Cardiac Nurses assist with preparing, administering contrast material, monitoring and post-procedure care of patients who undergo CTC angiograms.

Where Would You Choose to Work?

Although there is considerable overlap, the daily tasks of a Cardiac Nurse can vary according to the specific work setting.

Cardiac Nurses in the ICU administer requisite drugs or use a defibrillator after a cardiac arrest or heart attack. They may use hemodynamic or telemetry monitoring and intracardiac devices, including catheters and balloon pumps. 

If assigned to the hospital surgical unit, a Cardiac Nurse will prepare patients for surgery, assist the surgeon with any tasks during surgery, and help the patients recover post-op.

When the cardiac ICU hosts patients needing surgery, the Cardiac Nurse is responsible for preparing the former for surgery and ensuring their safe and sustainable recuperation.

The hospital cardiology unit requires a Cardiac Nurse to monitor the patient’s heart activity and ECGs, administer medication and other physician-approved treatments, and educate the patients and their families about their condition.

After a certain age, heart cells stop dividing, which is why heart cancer is sporadic.

It takes a powerful, intelligent, and compassionate person to spend every shift using evidence-based recovery pathways and providing tailor-made plans of comprehensive care to combat one of the most prevalent conditions threatening the lives of millions worldwide. No wonder then that Cardiac Nurses are best represented as healthcare heroes.

“Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.”

Charles Dickens