Cardiology Nurse Job Description
Cardiology nurses specialize in treating patients with heart conditions. These nurses must excel at cardiac care procedures, patient management and monitoring, testing for cardiac conditions and post-operative care. Cardiology nurses find employment in hospital cardiology units, intensive care units, and cardiac catheterization labs, among other nursing opportunities.
Other People Are Reading
-
Education
-
A cardiology nurse is a registered nurse with at least Bachelor of Science degree. These nurses require extensive knowledge of nursing theory, practice and procedures, specifically in critical care scenarios. Nurses who obtain continuing education in cardiovascular health are favored for cardiology nurse positions, and specialized courses for cardiology nurses are available. Loyola University, for example, offers courses that focus on epidemiology, cardiac risk reduction, stress physiology and ECG interpretation. Nurses may be required to perform clinical work in a cardiac-centered environment in order to earn additional certification.
Skills
-
Cardiology nurses must be team players, as the job requires constant coordination with doctors and surgeons. They must also be able to multitask to manage a variety of issues for individual patients. Cardiac care nurses must work well under pressure and excel at emergent care, since patients with heart conditions often require instant crisis decisions to be made. Ideal candidates are patient-focused and display a positive, nurturing attitude.
-
Responsibilities
-
Primary responsibilities of cardiology nurses include monitoring patients' levels of insulin, blood glucose and cardiac medicines. They must know how to operate a defibrillator to shock a patient's heart and be able to quickly put in an intravenous line. They also must document reports, transcribe minutes and keep a pristine organization.
Compensation
-
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earned median annual salaries ranging from $51,640 and $76,570 in May 2008. With continuing education, advanced training and extensive experience in the field, cardiology nurses can earn salaries exceeding these averages. Full-time cardiology nurses also receive medical benefits. Many locations offer flexible hours and 401(k) options.
Career Outlook
-
Expanding health concerns and improving technology for patient care ensure the demand for nurses continues to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment of registered nurses should grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is greater than the growth expected for all other occupations.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
