Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the medical world, the focus on Pediatric Cardiac Nurses has never been more significant.

As advances in medical technology surge, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, enhance, and safeguard our pediatric cardiac care increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Pediatric Cardiac Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of pediatric cardiac nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Pediatric Cardiac Nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Cardiac Nurses are specialized in providing care to children and infants suffering from heart conditions.

They work closely with pediatric cardiologists and play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease in children.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess, monitor and document the health status of pediatric patients with heart conditions
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques
• Collaborate with pediatric cardiologists to plan, implement, and evaluate the patient’s care plan
• Provide preoperative and postoperative care to children undergoing heart surgery
• Educate patients and their families about the child’s condition, medical procedures, and ongoing care
• Participate in cardiovascular research and maintain up-to-date knowledge in pediatric cardiac nursing
• Assist with diagnostic procedures like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms
• Respond to cardiac emergencies, providing life-saving interventions as necessary
• Support emotional needs of the child and family during high stress situations
• Coordinate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive patient care

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Cardiac Nurse to provide specialized nursing care to infants, children, and adolescents with congenital heart defects and post-surgical cardiac patients.

Your duties will include managing a patient’s condition, administering medication, operating medical equipment, and working closely with cardiologists to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care.

Our ideal candidate is compassionate, diligent, and knowledgeable in pediatric cardiovascular care.

You should be adept at working in high-stress situations and committed to providing excellent patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care for cardiac patients
• Monitoring patient’s condition and progress and re-evaluating care as necessary
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by the cardiologist
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment necessary for patient care
• Teaching patients and families about heart disease and its management
• Collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive cardiac care
• Maintaining accurate, complete health care records and reports
• Adhering to infection-control protocols

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a registered nurse with specialization in cardiac care
• BSc or other diploma from a nursing program
• Valid nursing license
• Knowledge of emergency cardiac care, pediatric advanced life support (PALS), and basic life support (BLS)
• Strong understanding of confidentiality obligations and nursing best practices
• Excellent knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
• Excellent problem-solving skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Cardiac Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. May require some night shifts and weekend hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,870 minimum to $106,000 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 Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Do?

Pediatric Cardiac Nurses are specialized health care professionals who primarily work with children and adolescents with heart conditions.

They provide direct patient care, monitor and administer medication, and work closely with the pediatric cardiologists to develop treatment plans for their patients.

They also help to educate patients and their families on heart disease and the necessary lifestyle changes needed to manage their condition.

These nurses also conduct diagnostic tests such as EKGs and stress tests, assist during invasive procedures, and monitor patients’ responses to treatment.

In emergency situations, Pediatric Cardiac Nurses may be required to perform life-saving procedures, such as CPR.

Finally, they also play a crucial role in the emotional support of the child and their family, guiding them through the emotional aspects of dealing with a heart condition.

Some Pediatric Cardiac Nurses may also partake in research studies, focusing on improving care and treatment options for pediatric cardiac patients.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Cardiac Nurse should possess a unique blend of qualifications and skills that cater to the specific needs of children and families dealing with cardiac conditions.

These may include:

• Advanced knowledge of pediatric cardiac conditions, treatments, and medications, along with the ability to administer and monitor them effectively.
• Strong observational skills to monitor and assess the health condition of the pediatric patient and to recognize any signs of distress or deterioration quickly.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to explain complex medical information clearly to children and their families, provide emotional support, and foster trust and understanding.
• Patience and empathy to provide care for children who may be frightened or non-compliant due to their illness, and to support families during challenging times.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to make rapid decisions in emergency situations and to develop individualized care plans for each patient.
• Physical stamina to work long shifts, often on their feet, and the ability to perform under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Collaborative skills to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, which can include doctors, surgeons, other nurses, and various therapists.
• Continual learning mindset to stay updated on the latest research, technologies, and techniques in pediatric cardiac care.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Experience Requirements

The journey to becoming a pediatric cardiac nurse begins with gaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

This is followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a license.

Entry-level pediatric cardiac nurses usually have 1 to 2 years of experience in a general pediatric nursing role.

This helps them gain familiarity with the healthcare needs of children and young adults.

To specialize further in cardiac care, nurses generally need to gain additional experience in a cardiac nursing setting, often for a period of at least 2 years.

This helps them to gain the necessary skills and understanding of heart-related illnesses in children, as well as the use of relevant medical equipment.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience typically have developed their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level pediatric cardiac nurse roles, and may also have completed a Pediatric Cardiac Care Certification or similar specialized training.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background, such as supervising a team of nurses, and may be ready for a managerial or a lead nurse position.

They may also have experience in providing family-centered care and education to patients’ families about heart conditions and treatments.

Finally, some roles may require advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a master’s degree in nursing and specific training in pediatric cardiac care.

These professionals have the most extensive experience and training, and are often responsible for diagnosing and managing patients’ care.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Cardiac Nurses are typically required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

A license is compulsory, which can be obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

In addition, they need to have a solid background in pediatric nursing and cardiology.

They should be able to understand and manage complex cardiac conditions in children.

A Pediatric Cardiac Nurse would also need to complete a specialized training program in pediatric cardiac care.

This program provides nurses with theoretical and practical training to handle cardiac cases in children, including both congenital and acquired heart diseases.

Some positions may require Pediatric Cardiac Nurses to have a master’s degree in nursing or a related field, with an emphasis on pediatric cardiology.

Pediatric Cardiac Nurses can also pursue certification programs such as Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and Certified Pediatric Cardiology Nurse (CPCN) to improve their skills and knowledge.

They must engage in ongoing learning to stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric cardiac care.

This can be achieved by attending workshops, seminars, and conferences related to pediatric cardiology.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Cardiac Nurse earns an average salary of $77,484 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as the nurse’s level of experience, the location of the job, and the healthcare facility where the nurse is employed.

Some highly experienced Pediatric Cardiac Nurses can earn up to $104,000 (USD) per year.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a pediatric cardiac nurse need?

Pediatric cardiac nurses should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with young patients and their families.

They need in-depth knowledge of pediatric cardiac conditions and treatments, along with the ability to operate related medical equipment.

Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, patience, and a high level of compassion are also essential for this role.

 

Do pediatric cardiac nurses need a specific degree?

Yes, pediatric cardiac nurses are required to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a minimum.

They must also be registered nurses and have a valid nursing license.

It is also beneficial for these nurses to have a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Nursing (PCICN) certification.

 

What should you look for in a pediatric cardiac nurse resume?

The resume of a pediatric cardiac nurse should highlight their experience in the field of pediatric cardiac care.

Look for their educational background and certifications, as well as their experience in handling young patients with cardiac conditions.

Their ability to work in high-stress environments, knowledge of cardiac medications, and skills in operating cardiac equipment should also be evident.

 

What qualities make a good pediatric cardiac nurse?

A good pediatric cardiac nurse is compassionate and patient, as they will be dealing with young patients who may be scared or anxious.

They should be detail-oriented and highly organized, as they will be dealing with complex cardiac conditions.

The ability to work well in a team, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations with calmness and professionalism are also essential qualities for a good pediatric cardiac nurse.

 

Is it difficult to hire pediatric cardiac nurses?

Yes, recruiting pediatric cardiac nurses can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

This field requires specialized training and experience, and there is a relatively small pool of qualified candidates.

As an employer, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development can make your position more attractive to potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse into the incredibly rewarding world of being a pediatric cardiac nurse.

And guess what?

It’s not just about taking vitals and administering medications.

It’s about weaving a tapestry of care, one heartbeat at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric cardiac nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re well prepared to embark on this journey.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating laser-focused listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every heartbeat is a part of a bigger story.

Let’s create that story. Together.

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