Cardiac Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare world, cardiac care nurses hold a vital role.

As medical technology evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can monitor, support, and enhance heart health grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a cardiac care nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the field of cardiac care nursing,

You’ve found the right resource.

Today, we present a customizable cardiac care nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cardiac Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Cardiac Care Nurses perform a range of tasks related to patient care, focusing on individuals with heart diseases or conditions.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform initial patient assessments and regularly monitor patients’ conditions
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping them understand and manage heart diseases
• Assist doctors in performing procedures like angioplasties and pacemaker insertions
• Monitor and record vital signs and notify doctors of any significant changes
• Educate patients and their families on heart-healthy lifestyle changes
• Provide postoperative care to patients undergoing heart surgeries
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, physical therapists, and social workers to manage patient care
• Manage medical emergencies like heart attacks or arrhythmias
• Maintain patient records and ensure all healthcare regulations and standards are met

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Cardiac Care Nurse to provide comprehensive healthcare for patients suffering from acute and chronic cardiac conditions.

Your responsibilities will include monitoring patient conditions, administering medications, and implementing customized care plans in collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals.

Our ideal candidate is well-versed in the latest cardiac care techniques, has exceptional critical thinking skills, and is dedicated to providing the highest standard of patient-centered care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning and implementing nursing care for patients with cardiac conditions
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians
• Monitoring, interpreting and recording patient vital signs and EKG readings
• Providing emotional support and education to patients and their families
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient care
• Responding quickly and effectively to emergency situations
• Maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to patient rights
• Participating in ongoing education and training to stay current on cardiac care best practices
• Ensuring the ward is stocked with necessary supplies and equipment

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum of two years of experience in a cardiac care setting
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Knowledge of current cardiac care techniques and standards
• Experience with electronic medical records systems
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Commitment to patient education and advocacy

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cardiac Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Cardiac Care Unit Manager or Charge Nurse.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $67,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cardiac Care Nurse Do?

Cardiac Care Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who work with patients suffering from various conditions related to the heart.

They assess, plan, and implement nursing care for patients dealing with heart diseases or conditions.

This can include people recovering from angioplasty, bypass, or heart transplants.

Cardiac Care Nurses monitor patient vital signs, administer medication, and work closely with doctors to manage the patient’s health.

They are often responsible for educating patients and their families about heart disease, including strategies for managing symptoms and improving heart health.

They perform diagnostic tests, assist with procedures such as pacemaker surgery, and provide post-operative care.

Cardiac Care Nurses also help patients make lifestyle changes to prevent further heart problems.

This could involve counseling on diet, exercise, and other heart-healthy habits.

In many cases, Cardiac Care Nurses act as a support system, offering emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.

They are often the primary point of contact between the doctor and patient, and they play a critical role in ensuring the patient’s well-being.

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Cardiac Care Nurse should possess the qualifications and skills that are necessary for the job role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of cardiology and the cardiovascular system to provide specialized care to patients with heart conditions.
• Excellent patient care skills, with the ability to monitor and record patient condition, administer medications, and perform diagnostic tests.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate with patients about their care, explain procedures, and provide emotional support.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, other nurses, and support staff.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to accurately document patient information, monitor patient progress, and detect any changes in condition.
• Physical stamina and emotional resilience to manage high-stress situations, long shifts, and deal with critically ill patients.
• Problem-solving skills to make quick decisions in emergency situations and address patient concerns effectively.
• Continuing education and professional development to stay updated on the latest advancements in cardiac care.

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Experience Requirements

Cardiac Care Nurses typically need a bachelor’s degree in nursing and must be licensed as registered nurses (RN).

Some employers may also require a master’s degree in a specialty area of cardiac care.

Entry-level cardiac care nurses typically have 1 to 2 years of general nursing experience, often through internships or part-time roles in a hospital or clinical setting.

These professionals can also gain valuable on-the-job experience in roles such as Registered Nurse, Critical Care Nurse, or other healthcare-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their technical skills and clinical knowledge in entry-level Cardiac Care Nurse roles or in a closely related specialty.

They may have also gained some experience with advanced procedures and treatments related to cardiac care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have some leadership experience and could be ready for a managerial or team-lead position, such as a charge nurse or nurse manager in a cardiac care unit.

Additionally, these experienced nurses may have specialized skills in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, heart failure care, or cardiac surgery recovery.

They may also hold certifications from recognized bodies such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses or the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which can further demonstrate their expertise in cardiac care nursing.

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Cardiac Care Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in cardiovascular care.

Therefore, they need to first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited school of nursing.

Upon graduation, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their nursing license.

Following this, gaining experience in a cardiac or critical care setting is valuable.

This is usually accomplished by working in a hospital’s cardiac care unit or intensive care unit.

In order to become a Cardiac Care Nurse, a Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is often required.

This certification validates the nurse’s knowledge and skills in cardiac-vascular nursing and demonstrates their commitment to this nursing specialty.

Additionally, many cardiac care nurses choose to further their education and training by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), often specializing in cardiac care or another related field.

Continuing education and training are also important in this role, as cardiac care nurses must stay updated with the latest advancements and treatment methods in cardiac healthcare.

All cardiac care nurses should have strong clinical skills, excellent communication skills, the ability to work in high-stress situations, and a deep understanding of cardiovascular disease.

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Cardiac Care Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $77,460 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, additional certifications, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility.

 

Cardiac Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Cardiac Care Nurse need?

A Cardiac Care Nurse must first become a Registered Nurse (RN) by earning a nursing diploma or degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

After gaining some experience in cardiac nursing, they may choose to become a certified Cardiac Vascular Nurse through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Some nurses may also choose to earn a Master’s degree in nursing to further specialize in cardiac care.

 

What are the daily duties of a Cardiac Care Nurse?

A typical day for a Cardiac Care Nurse involves monitoring patients’ vital signs, administering medication, performing diagnostic tests, and educating patients and their families about heart disease.

They also coordinate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans.

In some cases, they may also assist in performing procedures like angioplasty or pacemaker surgery.

 

What qualities make a good Cardiac Care Nurse?

A good Cardiac Care Nurse has strong critical thinking skills, allowing them to quickly assess a patient’s condition and respond appropriately in emergency situations.

They also need excellent communication skills to explain complex medical information to patients and their families.

A good Cardiac Care Nurse is compassionate, patient, and able to provide emotional support to patients dealing with serious heart conditions.

 

What should you look for in a Cardiac Care Nurse resume?

When reviewing a Cardiac Care Nurse resume, look for a nursing degree and an active RN license.

Experience in a cardiac care setting, such as a cardiac care unit or intensive care unit, is also important.

Any additional certifications in cardiac care are a plus.

Other beneficial skills include proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and experience with specific cardiac procedures or equipment.

 

Is it challenging to hire Cardiac Care Nurses?

Given the specialized skills and training required, finding qualified Cardiac Care Nurses can be a challenge.

In addition, there is a general nursing shortage, which can make the hiring process even more difficult.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being a cardiac care nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about administering medications.

It’s about shaping healthier hearts, one patient at a time.

With our in-depth cardiac care nurse job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to step forward.

But why stop here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating razor-sharp listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every heartbeat you monitor is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s shape healthier futures. Together.

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