How to Become a
心脏护士(CVICU)

1. Understand the role of a cardiac nurse

心脏病护士与有心血管系统问题的病人一起工作, which includes the heart and vascular system. 他们是包括心脏病专家和心胸外科医生在内的团队的重要组成部分.

Cardiac nurses specialize in the care, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with various heart conditions, such as:

• 充血性心力衰竭
• Cardiomyopathy, a disease that weakens the heart muscle
• 冠状动脉疾病, which develops when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, slowing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of stroke
• Heart arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats abnormally

Cardiovascular nurses typically work in hospitals. 他们的工作领域包括:

• Cardiology or cardiovascular department, for patients who have acute and chronic heart conditions
• 心胸外科, for patients who have undergone procedures like open-heart surgery
• ICU或重症监护病房(ICU), 对于从危及生命的疾病中恢复的重病患者, 比如心脏病发作或中风.
• Cardiac catheterization lab or “cath lab,” 和做微创检查的医生一起检查动脉, check blood flow to and from the heart, and may perform advanced cardiac procedures.

Cardiac nurses may also work in specialty pediatric hospitals, caring for infants, 心脏和血管系统有问题的儿童和年轻人.

As a cardiac nurse, your job duties will vary based on your location and department, but general responsibilities include:

• Health assessment: Evaluating the patient’s health history, 现有状况和症状, as well as taking vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse.
• Administering medication and treatment管理药物剂量，监测任何副作用，以及静脉注射和取出.
• Facilitate diagnostics and cardiac surgery: Administering tests such as echocardiograms and cardiac caths, as well as prepping patients for surgery and assisting during post-op care.
• 手术后的护理: Observing and treating patients for any post-surgery complications, 比如血凝块, 感染或心脏病发作.
• Rehabilitation: Helping patients with post-operative doctor-prescribed treatments, such as exercise, 饮食或其他生活方式的改变.
• Education作为一名心脏科护士, you’ll educate both patients and their families on care that was given, provide diet and lifestyle recommendations, 回答问题.