Cardiac Care Nurse

Cardiac care nurses must be BCLS certified but may also need ACLS certification.  

You can apply for a Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) after working full time for two years, obtaining over 2,000 hours of clinical care with cardiac patients, completing 30 hours of cardio-vascular nursing continuing education, and passing the ANCC exam. 

You can also advance by getting an MSN degree with a cardiovascular focus or become a Cardio-Vascular Nurse Practitioner (CVNP).

• Cardio-vascular patient assessment and monitoring 
• EKG rhythm recognition and skill using a defibrillator
• Administer cardiac medications either IV or orally
• Provide post-procedure or post-surgical care 
• CCU monitoring and intervention for patients post-MI
• Work with the cardiovascular team of cardiologists and surgeons
  

• Hypertension
• Pacemaker implant
• Stent insertion 
• Angioplasty
• Thrombolytic therapy 
• Heart Valve replacement 
• Bypass surgery-CABG
• Other cardio-vascular surgeries

1. Complete an ADN or BSN program in nursing
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license
3. Have one to two years of experience working as an RN
4. Apply to work in a Cardiac Care unit
5. Apply for a Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) after meeting prerequisites

American Association of Heart Failure Nurses 

• Mission: “The American Association of Heart Failure Nurses unites professionals, patients and caregivers in the support and advancement of heart failure practice, education and research, thus promoting optimal patient outcomes.”
• Cost: $85-120, annually, depending on your membership status.
• Perks: Benefits begin with a discounted registration to attend their annual conference & workshops, free subscription to Heart & Lung – The Journal of Acute & Critical Care, discounted fees to take the Certified Heart Failure Nursing exam, and much more (the full list can be found here)! 
  

Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing (CVSN)

• Mission: “The mission of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing (CVSN) is to accelerate the discovery, translation and application of knowledge to promote and improve overall cardiovascular health.”
• Cost: $81-465, annually, depending on your engagement level and membership status.
• Perks: Opportunities to network, collaborate, learn, better serve your community, receive awards, and have access to support from experienced professionals.
  

Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association 

• Mission: PCNA’s mission is “to promote nurses as leaders in cardiovascular disease prevention and management across the lifespan.”
• Cost: $85-160, annually, depending on your membership option.
• Perks: Membership confers a $2,000+ value in access to networking and skill-building opportunities.
  

The Society of Pediatric Cardiovascular Nurses 

• Mission: The SPCN is the “only international organization dedicated to expanding nursing knowledge and expertise in the care of children and young adults with heart disease.”
• Cost: $20, annually.
• Perks: Some benefits of joining the SPCN include information & collaboration, newsletters, a directory of members, research activities, and an annual meeting/education program at the annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.