CVICU RN Job Descriptions
A CVICU nurse (cardiovascular intensive care nurse) works in an intensive care unit specializing in acute cardiovascular care. Job responsibilities may vary slightly, but CVICU nurses are basically required to perform the same functions at any facility. Most CVICU nurses work in a hospital setting; it's rare for employers to require a CVICU nurse in other medical settings.
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Certification Requirements
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To become a CVICU nurse, most hospitals require at least an associate's degree in nursing and a valid nursing license. They also require CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and BCLS (basic cardiac life support) or ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certifications.
Hospitals specializing in cardiovascular care may require a bachelor's degree or specialized training in cardiovascular care, but in those cases, they offer higher salaries.
Job Description
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CVICU nurses treat patients in a cardiovascular intensive care setting. Most patients are recovering from acute conditions, surgeries and injuries involving the heart. The nurses record patients' medical histories and symptoms by performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results. They also administer treatment and medications under the supervision of a physician.
CIVCU nurses also provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Before a patient leaves the hospital, CVICU nurses teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury. They explain post-treatment home care needs, which can include diet and exercise regimens, nutrition and self-medication procedures.
Most CVICU patients require extensive care due to the nature of their illness, and CVICU nurses will be assigned a number of patients per shift as designated by the hospital's guidelines.
Other Qualifications
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As with most professionals in the medical industry, CVICU nurses should be caring, sympathetic, responsible and detail oriented. In a CVICU setting, they should be able to think and act quickly in emergency situations, being sympathetic to the patient at the same time.
Salary Ranges
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Average salaries for a CVICU nurse can range from $71,000 a year to $88,000 a year, which is above average for a registered nurse. Although this type of nursing career requires little additional training, working in an acute care setting can have additional responsibilities and emergencies, requiring a strong ability to work in a sometimes stressful environment. Average salaries for traveling CVICU nurses are approximately $117,000 a year.
Job Outlook
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations. Because CVICU nurses work in a more stressful environment, the demand for them continues to grow as well.
As the demand for nurses increases, employers have developed attractive benefits for nurses. Most employers offer four-day, 10-hour shifts to allow nurses three days off per week. This has become a national trend in hospitals, and employers continue to develop ways to attract nurses to their facilities.
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