34. Nursing in cardiovascular surgery

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Cardiovascular surgery nursing is a specialty that requires in-depth knowledge and advanced technical skills. Nurses working in this area play a vital role in providing high-quality health care to patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures, from pre-operative evaluation to post-operative care and rehabilitation.

Before the surgical procedure, the cardiovascular nurse is responsible for assessing the patient's health status, explaining the procedure and its risks, and preparing the patient and family for the surgery. This may include performing physical exams, taking a medical history, administering preoperative medications, and coordinating with other members of the healthcare team.

In the operating room, the cardiovascular nurse performs several functions, depending on their specific role. The circulating nurse coordinates the operating environment, ensuring patient safety and procedure efficiency. The instrumentation nurse works directly with the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies as needed. The anesthesia nurse monitors the patient's condition during surgery, administering anesthetics and adjusting the dosage as needed.

After surgery, the cardiovascular nurse cares for the patient in the intensive care unit (ICU), monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with mechanical ventilation, and providing other critical care as needed. The nurse also plays an important role in educating the patient and their family about postoperative care, including medication administration, wound care, and rehabilitation.

In addition to these clinical responsibilities, the cardiovascular nurse may also be involved in research and teaching activities. They can conduct studies to improve care for cardiovascular patients, develop and implement evidence-based care protocols, and teach other healthcare professionals about best practices in cardiovascular nursing.

To become a cardiovascular surgery nurse, you must have a solid background in nursing, including a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and a registered nursing license (RN). In addition, most employers require nurses to have critical care experience and obtain advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) certification.

In addition, many nurses choose to obtain a certification specializing in cardiovascular nursing to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this area. This certification is offered by several professional organizations, including the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

In summary, cardiovascular surgery nursing is a complex and challenging specialty that requires a high level of knowledge and technical skills. However, it is also an extremely rewarding area as it allows nurses to make a significant difference in the lives of patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures.

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