Becoming a cardiac nurse means stepping into a role where you can save lives and offer hope, sometimes all in the same nursing shift. If you're drawn to fast-paced environments, critical care, and the chance to make a deep impact, learning how to become a cardiac nurse might be the perfect next step in your nursing journey.
What Is a Cardiac Nurse?
A cardiovascular nurse, also known as a cardiac nurse, specializes in caring for patients with conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Cardiac nurses provide care for people with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure, but they also help individuals recover from cardiac catheterizations and major heart surgeries. As part of a cardiology care team, you’ll use your clinical skills to help patients stabilize and live healthier lives.
Why Many Nurses Gravitate to Cardiac Nursing
Cardiac nursing care makes a measurable difference in the quality of life for patients and families. Many nurses find the cardiac specialty to be incredibly rewarding for reasons such as:
- Diversity in the patient population
- Professional growth opportunities
- Challenging and fast-paced environment
- Collaboration and teamwork
Cardiac nursing opens doors to advanced certifications, leadership roles, and critical care specializations. You will also regularly manage complex cases that keep you learning. Cardiac care involves interdisciplinary teams, so communication and shared decision-making are prominent aspects of this career.
What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?
As a cardiac nurse, you'll treat patients of all ages and backgrounds. Day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the care setting, but some common duties for cardiovascular nurses include:
- Monitoring vital signs and heart rhythms
- Administering medications and titrating IV drips
- Assisting with stress tests and imaging
- Providing post-op care for cardiac surgery patients
Education for patients and their families about managing heart disease, making lifestyle changes, and adhering to medication compliance is a significant part of the cardiac nursing role. These nurses may also be part of the emergency response team, handling situations such as chest pain, arrhythmias, or cardiac arrest. Cardiac nurses balance technical skill with emotional support throughout the entirety of the job.
Cardiac Nurse Work Environments
If you are looking for a nursing career with flexibility in the work environment, cardiovascular nursing may be an excellent fit. As a cardiac nurse, you can work in many settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Cardiac catheterization labs
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Home health care
Cardiac nurses are proficient with telemetry to monitor conditions on step-down units, cardiac care units (CCUs), and intensive care units (ICUs). In the catheterization lab, they provide support to interventional cardiologists during procedures. Cardiac nurses help patients recover and regain independence while managing chronic heart disease and preventing hospital readmissions.
In home health settings, cardiac nurses are responsible for providing continuity of care for patients with mobility or travel barriers. Your clinical environment may depend on your preferences, experience level, or even the patient population you enjoy most.
Career and Salary Outlook
Demand for cardiac nurses remains strong as heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The aging population, rising obesity rates, and increased access to healthcare have all contributed to growing demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $93,600 as of May 2024, with specialty nursing careers earning more. Certified cardiovascular nurses or those with ICU experience typically earn even more, especially if they pursue additional education to transition into advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners or nurse managers.
The job market for RNs is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, with approximately 194,500 job openings projected each year. If you're interested in expanding your career options across specialties (including cardiac, ICU, or leadership roles), read more about diverse careers for BSN-prepared nurses.
Step-by-Step: How Do You Become a Cardiac Nurse?
For those who are ready to get started, here is a clear roadmap for how to become a cardiac nurse:
1. Earn a Nursing Degree
To become a cardiac nurse, you first need to become a registered nurse (RN). You will need to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. While ADN programs will qualify you for RN licensure in about two years, a BSN is increasingly the preferred (and sometimes required) qualification, especially in cardiac units and hospitals with Magnet status.
If you already hold a non-nursing degree, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) program can help you earn a BSN in as few as 14 months. This is the quickest path forward for second-degree nurses with a prior bachelor's degree.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN
After graduation, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). This standardized exam tests candidates on the required knowledge and clinical judgment for safe entry into nursing practice. Passing the NCLEX is a requirement to become a licensed RN.
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Most cardiac nursing jobs prefer at least 1 to 2 years of general medical-surgical or telemetry experience before transitioning into a specialty role. This helps you build a strong foundation in patient care, time management, and clinical decision-making.
4. Consider Certification
Once hired into a cardiac unit, you’ll typically complete a structured orientation or preceptorship. You'll learn advanced monitoring skills, medication protocols, and interventions for patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and more. This training can contribute to your specialty development and prepare you for potential certification.
After 2,000 hours of cardiac nursing experience, you can pursue certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Credentials like the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) boost your credibility and may increase your earning potential.
5. Advance with Continuing Education
As you develop professionally, you might pursue roles in cardiac ICU, cath lab, or even become a nurse practitioner. The path is yours to shape, and it starts with education. If you’re drawn to critical care and unsure where to begin, this step-by-step guide on becoming an ICU nurse offers insights that apply to cardiac pathways as well.
Why Go Back to School for an ABSN?
If you're serious about how to become a cardiac nurse, earning your BSN (or going back to school for one) can be a smart investment. BSN-prepared nurses have higher earning potential and employment opportunities. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing highlights the association between higher rates of BSN-prepared nurses in hospitals and lower rates of heart failure.
Accelerated BSN programs prepare you thoroughly for the NCLEX and provide a foundation for advancement. By completing an ABSN program and earning your BSN degree, you’ll be ready for graduate school if you pursue nurse practitioner, educator, or clinical nurse specialist roles.
Become a Cardiac Nurse with Holy Family University
As you research how to become a cardiac nurse, don't underestimate the importance of choosing a program that understands your unique needs and career goals. Holy Family University’s Second Degree Distance Hybrid BSN is a decisive next step for those with a current bachelor’s degree who want to transition into nursing fast and affordably.
Program features include:
- Graduation in just 14 months
- More affordable than many local and national programs
- Only 5 prerequisites required, compared to 8 or 9 at other schools
- Hybrid format with clinical experiences near your home
- Personal faculty support and NCLEX prep are integrated throughout
With the right education, the right mindset, and the right school, you can take your passion and turn it into a purposeful cardiac nursing career. Visit the program page today to download your guide for more information.
