Cardiac Rehab Nursing

I am planning on being a Cardiac Rehab Nurse doing the stress tests, etc. Is this type of area considered critical care? What is the average salary and requirments for this type of position?

A cardiac rehab nurse has advanced training in cardiac life support and cardiac rehabilitation. While their practice is not limited to critical care, it certainly can include such. Their role in the cardiac rehab process is to devise an individualized plan of progressive activity during and after the hospitalization of those who have a cardiac illness, and to closely monitor heart activity by use of telemetry equipment. They also educate the patient and family about the disease process, recovery, nutrition and risk factor modification.

An excellent two-part article that appeared in the April and May, 1998 issues of NurseBeat Magazine is A Day In The Life of A Cardiac Rehab Nurse. It follows the activities of a cardiac rehab nurse on the job and will give you a good idea of the clinical aspects of the job.

There are a variety of certifications you can pursue if you wish to specialize in cardiac rehab nursing. ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certification is typically required of all cardiac rehab nurses. Additionally, you can obtain CRRN certification (certified rehabilitation registered nurse) through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, and the ANCC offers clinical nurse specialist certification as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse.

The average salary for cardiac rehab nurses nationally is $42,104 per year. Experienced cardiac rehab nurses with advanced training and certifications can expect to make between $65,000 and $75,000 per year.

I hope this information helps, Jenn! Cardiac rehab nursing is a great area to go into.