pediatric cvicu travel nursing

Monitoring the Tiniest of Hearts: Pediatric CVICU Travel Nursing

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | Mar 13, 2024 | News | 0 comments

You’ve worked on the pediatric ICU floor for nearly a year and have always felt drawn to cases involving congenital heart defects. 

But, in your small community hospital, these cases are usually referred to big city hospitals, leaving you with a yearning to care for these patients as they prepare for cardiac surgery. 

With a heart full of ambition and an itch to explore the world, you’re ready to embark on a journey that combines your passion for pediatric cardiac conditions with the excitement of travel nursing. 

But where do you begin? 

The road to becoming a traveling pediatric CVICU nurse may seem daunting at first. 

In this article, we delve into the world of pediatric CVICU travel nursing, exploring the job responsibilities, pay prospects, and how to determine if this rewarding career path is right for you. 

Table of Contents

What is pediatric cvicu travel nursing, what do pediatric cvicu travel nurse jobs entail, what types of facilities offer pediatric cvicu travel nurse jobs, how much do pediatric cvicu travel nurse jobs pay, how to decide if pediatric cvicu travel nursing is for you.

• How To Become a Pediatric CVICU Travel Nurse

Find Pediatric CVICU Travel Nurse Jobs With Trusted Nurse Staffing

Pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) nursing represents a specialized field dedicated to the care of infants and children with complex cardiovascular conditions. It is sometimes referred to as the CVPICU, indicating the pediatric ICU. 

As a travel CVICU nurse, you will be assigned to pediatric ICU settings around the U.S. 

Pediatric CVICU nurses play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to these young patients while embracing the flexibility and adventure of travel nursing. From managing complex equipment to administering specialized treatment, travel nurses ensure the delicate hearts of their tiny patients receive the best care.

Pediatric CVICU travel nursing is undeniably demanding, requiring nurses to navigate challenging situations with skill and compassion. 

In this specialized field, nurses encounter children in critical condition, some requiring open-heart surgery or heart transplantation. Many of these patients have numerous lines and tubes attached to their little bodies, necessitating meticulous care and attention.

Working in a pediatric unit means engaging closely with the child’s parents or guardians, adding an emotional dimension to the already intense environment. Witnessing a child in such critical conditions can be heart-wrenching — requiring nurses to provide not only medical expertise but also emotional support to families. 

Nurse-to-patient ratios are often 1:1 in this setting due to the critical nature of the patients. Travel nurses in this unit are often assigned to patients who are weaning off of support, since travel nurses may be unfamiliar with specific hospital procedures and protocols. 

What Types of Conditions Will a Pediatric CVICU Travel Nurse See on the Job?

From birth to adulthood, pediatric CVICU travel nurses provide around-the-clock care to patients with diverse cardiovascular conditions. The spectrum of conditions they encounter ranges from congenital heart defects to acquired cardiac diseases.

Congenital heart disease is the most common reason for admission to the CVICU. These serious conditions are often diagnosed prenatally and affect the structure of the baby’s heart. 

Many patients in these units are recovering from cardiac surgeries, often involving open-heart procedures. Some may require delayed sternal closure , where the chest remains open for a few days after surgery. Usually, this is done for therapeutic reasons when patients are unstable. 

Common surgeries include: 

• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Valve replacement
• Aneurysm repair

Additionally, the unit may care for babies or children awaiting heart transplants or recovering from heart transplant surgeries. Interacting with patients and families during this waiting period can be incredibly challenging emotionally, as they endure the stress and uncertainty of being on the transplant list.

What Medical Devices Should Pediatric CVICU Nurses Be Prepared To Work With?

Given the delicate nature of many patients in the unit, pediatric CVICU nurses must exercise extra care, particularly when dealing with very small babies. 

While many of the medical devices they encounter may seem routine, the complexity arises from the sheer number of lines, the critical condition of the patient, and the vulnerability of these tiny patients. It’s not uncommon for some patients to still have their chest open from delayed sternal closure, adding an additional layer of complexity to their care.

Pediatric CVICU nurses should be prepared to work with a variety of medical devices, including:

• Endotracheal tubes
• Chest tubes
• Arterial lines
• Foley catheters
• Intracardiac pressure lines
• IV access lines such as PICC

Some patients may require ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) which provides prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to circulate blood and oxygen. Specialized training is required to operate the large ECMO machine and manage the numerous lines involved. 

What Qualities Make a Pediatric CVICU Travel Nurse Successful on the Job?

Working with children in the CVICU means being kind, patient, and understanding. Kids might feel scared or worried about all the tubes and machines they see. Nurses considering pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs need to be extra compassionate and caring to help kids feel safe and calm during scary and painful procedures.

In the fast-paced world of the CVICU, things can change quickly. Nurses need to be quick thinkers and good at solving problems.

As a travel nurse, flexibility and adaptability are key qualities. Each hospital and unit has different ways of doing things, so being open to new experiences and ready to learn is essential.

Pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs are primarily found in larger hospitals equipped with specialized pediatric cardiac care units. 

These facilities may include university, teaching, or children’s hospitals, where dedicated pediatric CVICU units provide comprehensive care to young patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

In some hospitals, pediatric cardiac patients may be accommodated within a PICU (pediatric ICU). 

Flexibility is key in pediatric CVICU travel nursing jobs, as nurses may be floated to other units based on staffing needs. This can include being sent to other ICU settings such as the PICU or the NICU (neonatal ICU). 

Trusted Nursing Staffing offers a seamless way to explore CVICU travel nurse positions. With Pronto , you can easily search for available pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs and filter by the type of institution. Select “All States,” and you will uncover all the exciting opportunities. 

How Long Are Pediatric CVICU Travel Nursing Assignments? 

Pediatric CVICU travel nurse job assignments are typically 13 weeks. 

However, they can often be extended based on the needs of the healthcare facility. This flexibility allows nurses to gain experience in many different settings while also gaining valuable experiences for an extended period if desired. 

As with any travel nursing assignment, the pay for pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs can vary significantly depending on many factors, including geographical region . 

The current median salary for pediatric ICU nurses is $72,546, and the median salary for pediatric travel nurses is $79,946. 

Deciding whether a pediatric CVICU travel nursing job is right for you involves weighing the pros and cons. Consider the unique challenges and rewards that come with caring for children in critical condition, while embracing the opportunities for professional growth and adventure.

Pros of Pediatric CVICU Nursing

There are many reasons why pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs can offer great job satisfaction, including :

• Making a difference: As a pediatric CVICU nurse, you have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of young patients and their families. Often these children are in the ICU for several days to several months , and your expertise and compassion can bring comfort during their stay. 
• Professional growth: Working in a pediatric CVICU environment allows nurses to expand their skills and knowledge. As a travel nurse, you will experience different units and grow in your expertise, as every unit is run differently. This exposure allows you to bring what you learned in previous pediatric CVICU settings and adapt to diverse healthcare settings effectively. 
• Travel and adventure: As a travel nurse, you have the freedom to explore different cities and regions while pursuing your career. This career choice allows you to blend meaningful work and exciting adventures. 

Cons of Pediatric CVICU Nursing

While working a pediatric CVICU travel nurse job can be rewarding, it can also be emotionally draining and demanding. 

The CVICU is also a very fast-paced environment where patients can deteriorate rapidly. Witnessing the pain and suffering of young patients and their families takes a toll on nurses’ mental health.

How To Become a Pediatric CVICU Travel Nurse 

Becoming a pediatric CVICU travel nurse requires meeting certain educational and licensing requirements. These include the basics of becoming a nurse including:

• Education: Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (preferred) or associate’s degree in nursing.
• Licensure: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN.

Advanced Certifications and Experience

Beyond the basic nursing requirements, aspiring pediatric CVICU nurses should consider gaining additional certifications and relevant experience, such as : 

• Fundamental certifications: Most jobs require certifications including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). 
• Optional certifications: Options include the Critical Care Registered Nurse (Pediatric) or CCR (Pediatric) certification from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses or Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) credentialing from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.
• Experience: Most facilities require pediatric CVICU nurses to have at least one year of experience in pediatric critical care nursing before considering them for travel nursing positions. 

If the prospect of becoming a pediatric CVICU travel nurse excites you, Trusted Nursing Staffing is here to help. With our dedicated team and comprehensive support, you can embark on a rewarding career while making a difference in the young lives of patients across the country. 

Explore the exciting pediatric CVICU travel nurse jobs on Pronto for your next adventure. 

At Trusted Nurse Staffing, our job doesn’t stop once we help you land your next travel assignment. We’ll be there for you throughout your contract. Unlike other companies, you can just pick up the phone to call us anytime the need arises.

We offer our travel nurses the following benefits:

• Student loan assistance
• Competitive compensation
• Bonus opportunities
• Employer-sponsored health insurance
• License, certifications, and CEU reimbursements
• Housing, meal, and travel stipends
• Responsive customer service

Whether you are a seasoned travel nurse or are looking for your first travel assignment, Trusted Nursing Staffing is here for you from the start of the search to the completion of your contract. 

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CVICU Nurse Jobs

Find high-paying CVICU nurse jobs nationwide with Aya Healthcare and take your CVICU RN career to the next level. Apply now.

Jump to CVICU Nurse Jobs

Brittany R., Healthcare Professional

Access CVICU RN Jobs Nationwide

As the nation’s largest healthcare staffing agency in the nation, Aya Healthcare has helped thousands of nurses find their ideal CVICU nurse jobs. Whether you’re looking for travel CVICU nurse jobs, staff positions or per diem roles, Aya Healthcare has the perfect CVICU nurse jobs for you!

Are you new to CVICU nurse jobs at Aya Healthcare? No need to stress! Our team of experts is available to assist you with recruitment, credentialing, staffing, payroll and clinical support. Feel free to reach out with any questions while you explore your ideal CVICU RN jobs.

Employment Types For CVICU Nurse Jobs

Featured nationwide cvicu rn jobs.

Browse All CVICU RN Jobs Now

My recruiter, Jake Zirker, has to be by far the best recruiter out there! Jake has been there for me for every and any issue I have had along the way of being a first time travel nurse. I truly feel supported and know that I have an advocate who will look out for me. Jake treats each of his nurses/healthcare workers like an individual and makes himself accessible to his people 24/7. Jake you are the best and thank you so much for everything thus far : ) Also special shout out to his assistant Ricky Lowdermilk who is one of the kindest people out there! He never ceases to send a supportive message right before a new contract and is always trying to help me find the best places to go next. So appreciative that I have the best travel recruiter duo!! Christina J. CVICU RN

What CVICU travel nurse jobs are available?

Take your skills on the road, develop your talents and gain vital experience while meeting new people, exploring new places and making a positive impact across the nation.

Aya Healthcare offers nationwide travel CVICU nurse jobs , including exclusive assignments just for Aya Healthcare travelers. As an Aya Healthcare travel nurse, you’ll gain access to the industry’s most extensive job database and the support of a dedicated team to assist you with recruitment, credentialing, payroll and travel logistics.

Securing travel CVICU nurse jobs with Aya Healthcare is a breeze. Simply complete your profile, then start your search. You can express your interest in a position with a single click, and we’ll handle the rest. We can even expedite licensing procedures and streamline compliance requirements to get you started on your travel assignment as swiftly as possible.

Aya Healthcare also offers an array of benefits for CVICU travel RNs, including a 401(k) plan, competitive CVICU nurse salary , insurance options and free CEUs. As a special bonus, if you’re working on your birthday, we’ll send you a free pizza to celebrate!

How Can I Find Permanent CVICU Nurse Jobs?

Settle down without settling with a permanent position at a leading hospital or healthcare organization.

Aya is more than a travel nursing agency. With strong affiliations with leading healthcare systems and hospitals, we can also help you secure permanent CVICU nurse jobs .

To find permanent CVICU RN jobs with Aya, complete your profile and then filter your search for permanent staff positions. Express your interest with a single click. A dedicated recruiter will then connect with you to discuss your preferences and assist you in your search.

Aya Healthcare’s recruitment team is renowned in the industry. As your #1 fan, your recruiter can help you along every step of the job search journey, from interview preparation and resume guidance to securing offers and negotiating salary. They’ll even work with facilities to prioritize your application and ensure a smooth path to your first day on the job.

What per diem CVICU RN jobs are available?

Take control of your career with per diem opportunities that enable you to work when and where you want, improve your professional skills, supplement your income and more!

Seize control of your career with Aya Healthcare’s exclusive per diem CVICU nurse jobs near you. Experience increased freedom, weekly compensation and customized schedules that fit your unique requirements.

You can get started with Aya’s per diem jobs by completing your profile, then simply searching for CVICU RN jobs near you . Express your interest with a single click, and we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll assist with licensing and credentialing and even help you schedule your orientation for a seamless start.

With Aya Healthcare, you have the flexibility to take on as many additional shifts as you want, even during travel assignments. You can manage your schedule effortlessly with our mobile app, Shifts. Aya Healthcare also extends a range of perks for per diem nurses, including competitive pay, weekly disbursements, a 401(k) plan and sick leave.

What Factors Can Influence A Permanent CVICU Nurse Salary?

A CVICU nurse salary can fluctuate depending on the state and the healthcare facility, but you can rest easy knowing Aya Healthcare places a strong focus on providing competitive rates to maximize your earnings. When assessing job opportunities, it’s crucial to consider not only the weekly pay but also the additional benefits offered. Aya Healthcare provides a variety of benefits for contract positions, and healthcare facilities may also offer unique perks worth considering.

Ready to find CVICU nurse jobs that match your personal and professional goals?

Browse CVICU RN jobs, view pay and facility information and express interest with just one click.

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TravelNursing

What is a CVICU Nurse?

A Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) nurse provides nursing care to patients with critical heart conditions and issues. A CVICU nurse job description will include a variety of tasks that includes everything from administering IV medications to providing emergency support to a patient in heart failure. A CVICU nurse must be calm, detail-oriented and able to make decisions quickly, as CVICU nursing is very complex and fast-paced and your patients are critically ill. 

Life of a CVICU Nurse

Because CVICU nursing is complex, many people are left wondering what does a CVICU nurse do? A CVICU nurse plays a key role in caring for a patient’s heart when it is in its most fragile state. A CVICU job description will usually include the following duties and responsibilities: 

• Providing direct clinical patient care
• Administering medications
• Checking vital signs on CVICU patients
• Operating heart monitors
• Performing therapeutic and/or diagnostic exams
• Operating defibrillators to restart patients' hearts
• Completing paperwork and patient charting

CVICU nurses provide care to patients who are recovering from surgery or who have an ongoing heart issue that has not been previously treated with surgery. 

Regardless of the patient acuity, CVICU nurses are responsible for providing the highest level of patient care possible. 

Why Travel as a CVICU Nurse 

A wide array of great reasons to try travel nursing exist for CVICU nurses!

A CVICU travel nurse salary will almost always be higher than the national average for permanent CVICU nurses. This is because travel nurses can earn up to 15 percent more than regular staff nurses, according to Travelnursing.com .

CVICU travel nurses can also experience the freedom and variety that comes with taking your nursing career on the road. This includes housing that is paid for by your travel nursing company, great benefits, tax-free reimbursement, tuition assistance, continuing education credits and so much more. Sign up for CVICU travel nurse job alerts today to stay on top of all of the latest assignments.

Read More About CVICU Travel Nursing Salary and Requirements from the link below.

PST MST EST CST

CVICU Nurse

The CVICU is a specialized hospital unit dedicated to caring for patients experiencing a wide range of conditions that affect their heart and blood vessels. Critical situations, complex patients, and exciting challenges are the norm here. 

Are you thinking about joining this exciting career path? CVICU nursing and CVICU travel nurse opportunities abound. Keep reading to learn more about this exhilarating and in-demand nursing specialty. 

What does a CVICU Nurse Do? CVICU nurses generally care for one to two critical patients at a time. While the CVICU nurse job description can vary between individual units, the primary responsibilities of CVICU RNs include:  Continuous monitoring and assessment of patients for both subtle and significant changes in vital signs and physiologic functions.  Administration of multiple complex and continuous intravenous (IV) medications that support cardiac function, provide sedation, and more.  Management of cardiac monitors, invasive monitors, central lines, arterial lines, ventilators, chest tubes, and other specialized medical equipment. Alerting the interdisciplinary care team to the patient’s progress, changes, and individualized needs. Responding to emergencies, performing CPR, and using advanced life support techniques to help patients who have stopped breathing or lost a pulse.  Frequent blood draws, dressing changes, wound care, and more.  CVICU nurses also provide support, education, and reassurance to patients and their families during stressful times. CVICU nurses expertly guide and advocate for their patients, ensuring the best possible care and outcomes.   What skills does a CVICU Nurse need?

CVICU nurses are skilled in critical care nursing, advanced cardiac treatments, and patient care. They pay close attention to detail and think critically about their patient's individual needs and circumstances. 

A CVICU nurse skill fully administers powerful medications, starts IVs, manages complex equipment, and has strong technical nursing skills. 

CVICU nurses are calm under pressure. They navigate and communicate stressful situations well. 

A CVICU nurse is flexible. In their line of work, things can change instantly, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of their complex patients is a necessity.  

Life as a CVICU nurse will keep you on your toes! There is always something to learn. Your knowledge, technical skills, and compassion will grow each day and never cease to make a difference in the lives of your patients. 

What skills does a CVICU Nurse need? CVICU nurses are skilled in critical care nursing, advanced cardiac treatments, and patient care. They pay close attention to detail and think critically about their patient's individual needs and circumstances.  A CVICU nurse skill fully administers powerful medications, starts IVs, manages complex equipment, and has strong technical nursing skills.  CVICU nurses are calm under pressure. They navigate and communicate stressful situations well.  A CVICU nurse is flexible. In their line of work, things can change instantly, and adapting to the ever-changing needs of their complex patients is a necessity.   Life as a CVICU nurse will keep you on your toes! There is always something to learn. Your knowledge, technical skills, and compassion will grow each day and never cease to make a difference in the lives of your patients.  Learn More About CVICU Nurses Work settings for CVICU Nurses CVICU nurses generally work in hospitals. CVICUs are often located in larger facilities, medical centers, and teaching hospitals. Pediatric CVICUs are located in larger pediatric facilities and children’s hospitals. Community hospitals may have smaller CVICUs.  Some CVICU nurses are critical care transport or flight nurses . These nurses help transport critically ill cardiac patients via ambulance, helicopter, or airplane from smaller facilities to larger medical centers that can give them the specialized care they need.  CVICU travel nurses are able to work in a wide range of facilities and hospitals throughout the country. CVICU nurses are in high demand and are needed in every area of the United States. Common Cases CVICU Nurses Encounter CVICU nurses see a wide range of cases and medical conditions. When patients need to be in the CVICU, they are sicker and require more specialized care than patients admitted to a cardiac step-down or cardiac medical unit.  These patients require advanced cardiac care and additional respiratory and physiologic support. Here are some of the most common CVICU diagnoses:  Myocardial infarctions or heart attacks.  Abnormal heart rhythms that require medications, defibrillation, or cardioversion.  Different types of heart failure, such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart failure from infection, other disease processes, and more.   Care of the patient after cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, cardiac valve replacement, aneurysm repair, and more. Care of the patient after cardiac catheterization, embolization, pacemaker placement, and other cardiac procedures.  Care of the patient before and after heart transplant operations.  How to Become A CVICU Nurse To become a CVICU nurse, start by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After you complete your degree, here’s what comes next: Pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and obtain your RN license in the state you wish to begin working in. Don’t forget to check out our licensure guide to better understand each state’s requirements!  Now that you have your license, you may be wondering, “How do I get into CVICU?” Start by applying to work in a cardiac unit of the hospital. A year or more of previous nursing, telemetry, or other cardiac experience is often required before working in the CVICU.  Some CVICUs allow new graduate nurses without prior nursing experience to begin working in the CVICU. They typically offer extensive training and support programs to ensure these new nurses succeed in this challenging environment.  The length of time it takes to become a CVICU nurse varies for everyone! Depending on the unit you are applying to work in, you may be able to start immediately upon graduation and licensure without prior nursing experience. Other programs may require a year or more of nursing experience before applying to work in a CVICU. Some nurses consider CVICU nursing one of the most challenging types of ICU nursing due to the complex patients, technology, treatments, and procedures. It can be difficult to start here as a brand new nurse, but a dedicated new nurse with a supportive and comprehensive training program can absolutely succeed.  Does this mean that CVICU nursing is harder than other types of nursing, such as ER nursing? Not necessarily! While CVICU nursing is indeed a challenging specialty, each nursing specialty has its own unique challenges. Depending on your personal preferences, interests, and skills, you may find one nursing specialty to be more or less difficult than another.  Once you land a CVICU nursing job, seek out learning opportunities to develop your CVICU skills and continue your education! How to Advance Your Career As A CVICU Nurse Opportunities abound to advance your CVICU nursing career! If you return to school for an advanced degree in nursing, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, you can become a: CVICU clinical nurse specialist (CNS) CVICU acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) Nurse research scientist with a focus on CVICU nursing If going back to school isn’t in your plan, there are still many great ways to advance and further specialize your CVICU nursing career. Without an advanced degree, you can become a:  CVICU nurse manager CVICU nurse educator CVICU critical care transport nurse Specialised in advanced CVICU technology- such as the care of patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VADs), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Impella pumps, balloon pumps, dialysis, and more.  Education Requirements & Helpful Certification CVICU nurses need an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and a license to practice nursing in the state they wish to work in. Once these requirements are met, here’s what to do next:  CVICU nurses must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. If you are a pediatric CVICU nurse, you will need Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.    Once you have experience working as a CVICU nurse, you can study for and obtain a Critical Care RN Certification , or CCRN.  You can also consider additional cardiac nursing certifications, such as the Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) or Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC).  Average Salary For CVICU Nurses $85,000. CVICU travel nurses, CVICU nurses who specialise further, or CVICU nurses with advanced degrees can earn much more. White pay varies from facility to facility, CVICU nurses are amongst some of the highest-paid nurses, including other types of ICU nurses and nursing specialties. CVICU nursing pay varies by location. Areas of the country with lower living costs typically pay lower CVICU nurse wages, and areas with a higher cost of living often pay higher wages. For example, a staff CVICU nurse in Florida currently makes an average of $81,000 annually, while a CVICU nurse in New York makes an average of $89,000 annually. Don’t forget to use our Travel Nurse Salary Guide to stay current on the latest CVICU travel nurse pay information and trends! Here, you can also compare CVICU nurse travel pay with other travel nurse specialties pay- such as ER, ICU, medical-surgical nursing, and more. Specialty Organizations & Communities American Association of Critical Care Nurses- AACN Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing- CVSN American Association of Heart Failure Nurses- AAHFN Ideal Personality Traits Browse Jobs Let's start building the life you want.

Education Requirements

CVICU nurses need an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and a license to practice nursing in the state they wish to work in. Once these requirements are met, here’s what to do next: 

• CVICU nurses must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications. If you are a pediatric CVICU nurse, you will need Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.   
• Once you have experience working as a CVICU nurse, you can study for and obtain a Critical Care RN Certification , or CCRN. 
• You can also consider additional cardiac nursing certifications, such as the Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) or Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC). 

How to advance/career pathway

Opportunities abound to advance your CVICU nursing career! If you return to school for an advanced degree in nursing, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, you can become a:

• CVICU clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
• CVICU acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP)
• Nurse research scientist with a focus on CVICU nursing

If going back to school isn’t in your plan, there are still many great ways to advance and further specialize your CVICU nursing career. Without an advanced degree, you can become a: 

• CVICU nurse manager
• CVICU nurse educator
• CVICU critical care transport nurse
• Specialised in advanced CVICU technology- such as the care of patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VADs), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Impella pumps, balloon pumps, dialysis, and more. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Most common cases.

CVICU nurses see a wide range of cases and medical conditions. When patients need to be in the CVICU, they are sicker and require more specialized care than patients admitted to a cardiac step-down or cardiac medical unit. 

These patients require advanced cardiac care and additional respiratory and physiologic support. Here are some of the most common CVICU diagnoses: 

• Myocardial infarctions or heart attacks. 
• Abnormal heart rhythms that require medications, defibrillation, or cardioversion. 
• Different types of heart failure, such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart failure from infection, other disease processes, and more.  
• Care of the patient after cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, cardiac valve replacement, aneurysm repair, and more.
• Care of the patient after cardiac catheterization, embolization, pacemaker placement, and other cardiac procedures. 
• Care of the patient before and after heart transplant operations. 

How to become a

To become a CVICU nurse, start by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. After you complete your degree, here’s what comes next:

• Pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and obtain your RN license in the state you wish to begin working in. Don’t forget to check out our licensure guide to better understand each state’s requirements! 
• Now that you have your license, you may be wondering, “How do I get into CVICU?” Start by applying to work in a cardiac unit of the hospital. A year or more of previous nursing, telemetry, or other cardiac experience is often required before working in the CVICU. 
• Some CVICUs allow new graduate nurses without prior nursing experience to begin working in the CVICU. They typically offer extensive training and support programs to ensure these new nurses succeed in this challenging environment. 
• The length of time it takes to become a CVICU nurse varies for everyone! Depending on the unit you are applying to work in, you may be able to start immediately upon graduation and licensure without prior nursing experience. Other programs may require a year or more of nursing experience before applying to work in a CVICU.
• Some nurses consider CVICU nursing one of the most challenging types of ICU nursing due to the complex patients, technology, treatments, and procedures. It can be difficult to start here as a brand new nurse, but a dedicated new nurse with a supportive and comprehensive training program can absolutely succeed. 
• Does this mean that CVICU nursing is harder than other types of nursing, such as ER nursing? Not necessarily! While CVICU nursing is indeed a challenging specialty, each nursing specialty has its own unique challenges. Depending on your personal preferences, interests, and skills, you may find one nursing specialty to be more or less difficult than another. 
• Once you land a CVICU nursing job, seek out learning opportunities to develop your CVICU skills and continue your education!

Specialty Groups and Communities

• American Association of Critical Care Nurses- AACN
• Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing- CVSN
• American Association of Heart Failure Nurses- AAHFN

Personality Traits

Average salary.

$85,000. CVICU travel nurses, CVICU nurses who specialise further, or CVICU nurses with advanced degrees can earn much more. White pay varies from facility to facility, CVICU nurses are amongst some of the highest-paid nurses, including other types of ICU nurses and nursing specialties.

CVICU nursing pay varies by location. Areas of the country with lower living costs typically pay lower CVICU nurse wages, and areas with a higher cost of living often pay higher wages. For example, a staff CVICU nurse in Florida currently makes an average of $81,000 annually, while a CVICU nurse in New York makes an average of $89,000 annually.

Don’t forget to use our Travel Nurse Salary Guide to stay current on the latest CVICU travel nurse pay information and trends! Here, you can also compare CVICU nurse travel pay with other travel nurse specialties pay- such as ER, ICU, medical-surgical nursing, and more.

Certifications

Work setting.

CVICU nurses generally work in hospitals. CVICUs are often located in larger facilities, medical centers, and teaching hospitals. Pediatric CVICUs are located in larger pediatric facilities and children’s hospitals. Community hospitals may have smaller CVICUs. 

Some CVICU nurses are critical care transport or flight nurses . These nurses help transport critically ill cardiac patients via ambulance, helicopter, or airplane from smaller facilities to larger medical centers that can give them the specialized care they need. 

CVICU travel nurses are able to work in a wide range of facilities and hospitals throughout the country. CVICU nurses are in high demand and are needed in every area of the United States.

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As you all know by now, I love travel nursing to New York. One of the main questions I get asked is how I find short-term furnished housing in the Big Apple. Here is my best kept housing secret:

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I have been a Pediatric CVICU Traveling nurse for 1 year. I started travel nursing in the CVICU after I completed 2 years in my specialty as a staff nurse. Most agencies require that you have 1-2 years of experience before they can contract you with a hospital. This is because as a traveling nurse you are expected to be an expert in your niche. Usually, the more specialized the unit, the more years of staff experience they prefer.

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