What does a cardiovascular clinical nurse specialist do?

1 Education and Training

A cardiovascular CNS needs to have extensive knowledge and skills in cardiovascular nursing, as well as in research, leadership, education, and consultation. To become a cardiovascular CNS, you need to have a bachelor's degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and at least two years of clinical experience in cardiovascular nursing. Then, you need to enroll in a graduate program that offers a CNS track in cardiovascular nursing or a related field. You also need to pass a national certification exam from an accredited organization, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

2 Clinical Practice

A cardiovascular CNS provides direct and indirect care to patients with various heart and vascular conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, and stroke. A cardiovascular CNS assesses, diagnoses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care of these patients, using evidence-based practices and protocols. A cardiovascular CNS also prescribes medications, orders tests, and performs procedures within their scope of practice and state regulations. A cardiovascular CNS works in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, cardiac rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.

3 Quality Improvement

A cardiovascular CNS plays a key role in improving the quality and safety of care for cardiovascular patients. A cardiovascular CNS monitors and analyzes the outcomes of care, identifies gaps and problems, and develops and implements solutions. A cardiovascular CNS also leads and participates in quality improvement projects, such as reducing readmissions, preventing infections, and improving patient satisfaction. A cardiovascular CNS collaborates with other health care professionals, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, to ensure that the best practices and standards are followed.

4 Education and Mentorship

A cardiovascular CNS is also an educator and a mentor for other nurses and health care providers. A cardiovascular CNS designs and delivers educational programs and materials for staff, patients, and families, on topics such as cardiovascular risk factors, prevention, management, and treatment. A cardiovascular CNS also provides coaching, feedback, and support to nurses who are new or need to update their skills in cardiovascular nursing. A cardiovascular CNS fosters a culture of learning and excellence among the nursing team.

5 Consultation and Advocacy

A cardiovascular CNS is also a consultant and an advocate for cardiovascular patients and their families. A cardiovascular CNS provides expert advice and guidance to other health care providers who are involved in the care of cardiovascular patients. A cardiovascular CNS also advocates for the needs and rights of cardiovascular patients and their families, such as access to care, informed consent, and ethical decision making. A cardiovascular CNS also participates in policy development and research that affect cardiovascular nursing and health care.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?