- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Cardiac care nurse
Cardiac care nurse
A cardiac care nurse cares for patients with heart diseases or conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart failure and recovery from bypass surgery.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
In demand
Cardiac care nurses are in high demand because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Over 92 million Americans suffer from some type of heart condition.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a cardiac care nurse?
You’ll work closely with a cardiologist to provide quality care to patients of all ages.
What you’ll do as a cardiac care nurse
Assessment
You’ll examine patients, perform stress test evaluations, monitor heart activity and electrocardiograms.
Education
You’ll teach patients and their families about diseases, processes, treatments and the best ways to stay healthy.
Treatment
You’ll administer medication, monitor pain, and insert and remove IVs.
Where you’ll work as a cardiac care nurse
Cardiac care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Cardiovascular clinics
- Home health agencies
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Your own practice
Changing lives in the fast-paced world of cardiac nursing
Cardiac care nurse Michele Santoro and her fellow clinicians at the Yale New Haven Heart and Vascular Center routinely race against time to save lives. In honor of American Heart Month, read on to find out how her innovations combine technology and a human touch to transform cardiovascular care delivery and improve patient outcomes.
How to become a cardiac care nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse for two years.
Gaining at least 2,000 hours of experience and 30 hours of continuing education in cardiovascular nursing.
Get your Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
You may also be required to be certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
You’re ready to work as a cardiac care nurse!
Cardiac care nurse career resources
Become a member of a cardiac care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related nursing specialties
Telemetry nurse
A telemetry nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in monitoring and caring for patients who require continuous cardiac and vital sign monitoring but do not require intensive or critical care.
Cardiac cath lab nurse
A cardiac cath lab nurse works with patients who have catheters inserted into the heart for cardiac conditions or defects.