[Epona]

Hi. How long did it take you to become a cardiac nurse??? That is what I hope to be. My goal is to work in a docs. office- work with the docs.- help patients and educate them about heart disorders and disease. I am a heart patient myself. My docs. have encourged me to become a nurse. I also already have a BS with many of the prereqs. already done.

Realistically, how long is it going to take me to get to be a CARDIAC NURSE??

I have been accepted to a BSN program and will begin in Jan. I am not looking forward to the hospital clincials in nursing school, but I know I have to pay my dues there... I do not want to work in a hospital.

How realistic is it to land a job as a cardiac nurse in a docs. office?? How long will it take me after the 2 years for my BSN??

Your insite is appreciated!! Epona

[hopecandles]

Dear Epona,

Well, unless you are going for your CCRN, which covers much more than just Cardiac, (I haven't done it yet). You can get a job as a Cardiac nurse as soon as you get your BSN. I think that is great that you want to work in a docs office, and educate the patients. I've only worked in hospitals, and although I sometimes want to pull my hair out, scream, cry, I know a hospital is where I've learned so much. Seen pts have their status change, etc.
You should ask the docs what they would want for you to work with them. I know some of the Cardiologist have NP that work with them visiting patients on the floor.
Also have you thought about community nursing? I don't know much about it, but I know they do a lot of eduacatiing patients.
So, it just depends on what you are more interested in, working alongside the docs, or educating the patients.
Just keep the doors open. Good Luck.