Advanced Nursing Practices

Cardiac Nursing

Cardiac nursing focuses on the prevention and treatment of heart-related conditions. Nurses in the cardiology department work in inpatient or outpatient settings, caring for medical or surgical patients, and understanding patients with acute illnesses or helping them manage chronic illnesses. Cardiac nurses help treat conditions such as unstable angina, coronary artery disease, congestive coronary insufficiency, myocardial infarction, and cardiac dysrhythmia under the guidance of a cardiologist. They perform excellent care on a surgical unit; analyze assessments, cardiac monitoring, vascular monitoring, and health assessments. Cardiac nurses have primary Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. Additionally, cardiac nurses have specific skills, including EKG monitoring, defibrillation, and continuous drip medication administration. Cardiac nurses work in a variety of settings including coronary care units, cardiac catheterization, medical care units, operating theaters, cardiac rehabilitation centers, clinical research, cardiac surgery wards, intensive care units cardiovascular and cardiac medicine services.

Typical Cardiac Nurse responsibilities include:

·         Assess and treat patients.

·         Provide postoperative care.

·         Monitor stress test evaluations.

·         Monitor heart and vascular readings.

·         Educate patients and their families.

·         Support and motivate patient lifestyle changes.