Cardiac LPNs
Career Guide: Salary, Job Duties, and More
This page offers details on the expected salaries, day-to-day job duties, and additional insights for those exploring or considering a career as a licensed practical nurse in cardiac care.
What is a Cardiac LPN?
Cardiac licensed practical nurses are vital yet underrecognized members of cardiac care teams. They assist physicians and registered nurses with caring for patients before, during, and after cardiac procedures and tests by verifying patient medical records, monitoring vital signs, documenting symptoms, administering medications, changing wound dressings, assisting with diagnostics, and helping transport patients. Their diverse medical, technical, and administrative duties require specialized cardiac training and a dedication to patient care protocols.
Though they often work behind the scenes, Cardiac LPNs support the larger care team with the intricate demands of patients with cardiovascular conditions. Their communication skills, adaptability, and composure under pressure make them integral to smooth workflows and positive outcomes.
Read on to learn more about the steps to train to become a Cardiac LPN, the skills required, and answers to commonly asked questions.
Key Responsibilities of a Cardiac LPN
The role requires expertise in cardiovascular care, familiarity with specialized equipment, and knowledge of patient safety best practices. Cardiac LPNs provide critical assistance so that physicians and nurses can effectively concentrate on the complexities of each patient case.
With strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, they help ensure seamless flow in cardiac units and labs.
- Monitoring EKG readings to track heart rhythm and rate
- Documenting symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and edema
- Administering cardiac-related medications via oral, intravenous, and other routes
- Assisting with changing wound dressings and providing other cardiovascular care
- Coordinating and processing necessary documentation like test orders and consent forms
- Assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures such as stress tests, echocardiograms, and pacemaker checks
- Maintaining sterile fields for cardiac procedures and surgeries
The outlook for careers as cardiac licensed practical nurses appears promising over the next decade, with job growth projected to outpace the average rate substantially. Underlying this robust expansion is a confluence of factors fueling greater demand. An aging demographic with high cardiovascular disease rates needing nursing care, technological progress in cardiac treatments spurring the need for specialized LPNs, and the proliferation of outpatient facilities where many procedures occur, are all converging to heighten demand.
Cardiac LPNs possessing licensure and adaptability performing diverse cardiac care tasks should encounter expanding job prospects and avenues for career advancement amid these supportive conditions. The combination of rapid growth and the value of specialized skills points toward a favorable environment for those training to enter this vital nursing role within the healthcare workforce.
National Average: $112,166.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $125,266.00 |
| Midwest | $86,154.00 |
| Northeast | $124,722.00 |
| Southwest | $92,182.00 |
| Southeast | $89,135.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $88,530.00 entry level to $136,632.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Cardiac LPN?
Pursuing a career as a Cardiac LPN to care for patients with heart conditions provides incredible rewards for those passionate about healthcare. Readying for this vital role demands advancing through foundational education, licensing, and hands-on training milestones:
Education
- Earn a high school diploma or GED to build baseline abilities for further learning
- Enroll in a 1-2 year accredited LPN program offering dedicated cardiac coursework and clinical rotations. Covered topics should include anatomy, physiology, assessment, interventions, emergency response, and more.
Certification
- Pass the NCLEX-PN licensing test to demonstrate core competencies in areas like foundations of nursing, cardiac care, medication administration, procedures, and other concepts.
Hands-on Training
- Complete supervised clinical rotations concentrated on caring for cardiac patients through quality LPN programs.
Those aspiring to become Cardiac LPNs have a rewarding career ahead helping care for patients with cardiovascular disease. The key is laying the proper foundation through education, hands-on training, and obtaining licensure. Enroll in an accredited LPN program with cardiac specialization to establish core knowledge. Reinforce learning via focused clinical rotations.
Consider the relevant cardiac unit experience as well. Obtaining LPN licensure boosts qualifications and job prospects. Keeping these pointers in mind will lead to success in launching this fulfilling career supporting critical cardiovascular care.
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