Cardiac intensive care nurses are responsible for the care of patients who are experiencing heart problems. They monitor their patients' vital signs and symptoms, administer treatments as ordered by a physician, and provide emotional support to both the patient and their family members.
What is the role of a nurse in CCU?
Responsibilities include monitoring, assessment, vital sign monitoring, ventilatory management, medication administration, intravenous insertion and infusion, central line care, Swan-Ganz catheters, and maintenance of a running record of the patient's status.
What is a cardiac intensive care nurse?
CVICU RNs are responsible for the health and safety of patients under their care. They run IVs, observe vital signs, and operate heart monitors. CVICU nurses must always be on their toes. They are called on in emergencies to provide CPR and may be asked to operate defibrillators to restart patients' hearts.
What can I expect from a cardiac ICU nurse?
Before you show up to the unit, take time to review, practice, and get good at ECG interpretation. This is a necessary skill that CVICU nurses need to be strong at when taking care of cardiac patients, especially those with recent surgery. Know how and why ACLS protocols change with open heart surgery patients.