How can one become a Cardiac Nurse??

augigi, CNS · Sep 23, 2006

All of your questions depend where you want to work, and the level of education you want. You can work a general cardiac medical/surgical/telemetry ward for regular RN pay, just need to get a job in one when you graduate. You could work in the cath lab. You could work in CCU, or CTICU. You could work in a heart failure clinic as an NP. Etc.

You do not get any more money for working in a cardiac area. Your payscale depends upon your educational level and experience (BSN, MSN, NP, CNS, etc)

jellenRN · Oct 3, 2006

I am a new graduate and have worked for 1 1/2 months in a cardiac step down unit. It's basicly a telemetry unit. Its not as intense as an ICU, but we still get pts on cardiazem/ nitro/heprin drips, pre/post cath pts, 48-72 hr post CABG pts. I think its a good place to start after graduation. I'm learning a lot and its a good steping stone since I want to get into emergency/critical care nursing. The pay is the same as anywhere else in the hospital for a new grad.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 3, 2006

how can one become a cardiac nurse? how long is the process? what gpa should a student /rn have in college inorder to become one?how much money do cardiac nurses make?

get a job on a telemetry or step down unit, and get some experience. you don't say whether you want to do telemetry, ccu, cath lab or cardiac surgery, but some experience on a telemetry unit will help you solidify your goals and your basic skills. then transfer to the job of your choice.

as far as your last question -- i wish!

best of luck.

AfloydRN, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2006

NOone ever cares about grades after graduation. If you have a pulse and a license you can get a job. Theres such a shortage now that you can choose where you work instead of them choosing for you. The pay is the same for any specialty where I work. No dept. is considered a specialty anymore. No clinical ladder pay.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 21, 2006

If you have a pulse and a license you can get a job. Theres such a shortage now that you can choose where you work instead of them choosing for you.

Perhaps it is like that in your neck of the woods, but in my area (and up to 50 miles away) it seems as though hospitals only want experienced RNs. I'm glad I have a sense of humor because when I finally heard "We'd love to have a new grad" ~ I almost fell out of my chair!!

Medwynn · Dec 16, 2006

NOone ever cares about grades after graduation. If you have a pulse and a license you can get a job. Theres such a shortage now that you can choose where you work instead of them choosing for you.

I would have to agree with this quote, especially in this area. We have nurse apprenticeship programs into whatever floor you would like to work before graduation. I specifically wanted CCU and have been there since august. Now i doubt i will get a day position once i graduate, more like nights for atleast 1/2 a year.

If there is such a program available, please look into it.

As for pay, it's the same across the board here at the hospital. pay depends on experience. GPA doesn't matter.

metalmom · Dec 18, 2006

I attended a job fair in October and asked for a job on a DOU/Tele and got it. I worked my 6th shift on my own on Friday and we have been slammed the past 2 weeks by the ER. We get drips, vents, CTs. I've learned so much in 2 months. Great place to start.

BackPackerRN · Dec 19, 2006

Tele is generally an awesome place to start. You get the cardiac side and experience with EKG readings as well as an introduction into some drips. You also get a wider variety of medical conditions and issues than on a CVICU or CCU unit. At least that is what I have seen where I'm from. Also take initiative, seek out learning experiences, never be satisfied with how much you know. The saying-The more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know-is very true in the nursing world.