Cardiac nursing is a nursing specialty that focuses on treating patients with heart and vascular issues. A cardiac nurse can work in a variety of settings, from operating rooms to intensive care units, and employment prospects in this field are generally good. A cardiac nurse can command a respectable salary and work in a variety of settings, especially if they have additional qualifications beyond a basic nursing degree. Nurses are always in high demand, and those with advanced nursing skills are even more sought after.
A cardiac nurse usually works under the supervision of a cardiologist, a cardiothoracic surgeon, or another type of heart and circulatory specialist. He or she is actively involved in patient care, providing updates to the doctor, performing routine procedures, and ensuring that the patient is comfortable and well-informed about their treatment. While a basic nursing degree can allow you to perform many cardiac nursing tasks, most people in this field pursue advanced certifications to increase their employability and ensure that they can provide the best possible patient care.
Cardiac nurses can be found assisting surgeons in operating rooms, providing supportive care in hospitals’ intensive care units, cardiac care units, and cardiac wings, and assisting patients in rehabilitation centers. They also assist in cardiac catheterization labs and other facilities where various cardiac procedures are performed, as well as administer stress tests and other diagnostic tests. Some cardiac nursing students choose to specialize in the treatment of specific conditions, such as pediatric or elderly care.
Because the heart is such a vital organ that requires constant and detailed monitoring, nurse-to-patient ratios in inpatient cardiac facilities are typically very low. A cardiac nursing facility typically includes telemetry, which allows patients to be monitored remotely, as well as a nursing supervisor who ensures that all of the nurses on duty have the tools they need to do their jobs.
Many cardiac nursing specialists provide emotional and psychological support to their patients in addition to administering medications, assisting with medical testing, and providing basic physical care. Because emotional stress is hard on the heart and can lead to complications, cardiac nurses work hard to keep their patients calm and happy. They also ensure patient safety by ensuring that procedures are followed, maintaining the patient’s charting to ensure that information about the patient’s case is current, and advocating for the patient in interactions with doctors, family, and friends.