CVICU Registered Nurse
San Diego, CA
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Nights

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) provides specialized care to critically ill patients with cardiovascular conditions, including those recovering from open-heart surgery, severe heart attacks, heart failure, arrhythmias, or other serious cardiac events. This role requires advanced nursing skills, critical thinking, and the ability to respond to rapid changes in patient status. The CVICU RN will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standard of care for patients in a high-acuity setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment:

  • Perform comprehensive assessments of critically ill patients with cardiovascular conditions, including evaluation of cardiac rhythm, hemodynamics, and other vital signs.
  • Monitor and assess patients post-cardiac surgeries (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement) and interventional procedures (e.g., angioplasty, stent placement).
  • Identify changes in patient condition and take immediate action to prevent deterioration.

• Critical Care Management:

  • Administer complex medications and treatments for cardiovascular patients, including vasoactive drugs, antiarrhythmic medications, and anticoagulants, according to protocols.
  • Monitor and adjust invasive monitoring devices such as arterial lines, central venous pressure (CVP) lines, pulmonary artery catheters, and ventilators.
  • Provide life-saving interventions in emergencies, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or assisting with intubation and other emergency procedures.

• Post-Operative Care:

  • Provide intensive monitoring and care for patients post-cardiac surgery or catheter-based procedures.
  • Manage ventilator support and weaning, post-operative drainage, and ensure adequate pain management.
  • Assess and manage complications, such as bleeding, arrhythmias, or signs of organ failure.

• Collaboration:

  • Work closely with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement patient care plans.
  • Communicate with the patient’s family about their condition, prognosis, and the next steps in care.

• Patient Education:

  • Educate patients and families on the recovery process, cardiac health, medications, lifestyle modifications, and long-term care needs.
  • Provide emotional support to patients and families during critical and recovery phases.

• Documentation:

  • Accurately document assessments, interventions, outcomes, and changes in patient status in the electronic medical record (EMR).
  • Ensure all procedures and patient responses are documented according to facility and regulatory standards.

• Safety & Infection Control:

  • Adhere to strict infection control protocols, especially in managing invasive lines and surgical sites.
  • Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials and medications.
  • Provide a clean and safe environment for patients, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

• Emergency Response:

  • Act quickly and effectively in response to cardiovascular emergencies, including arrhythmias, acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), or respiratory failure.
  • Utilize advanced equipment, such as defibrillators, and collaborate with the healthcare team in high-pressure situations.

• Mentorship and Education (if applicable):

  • Serve as a preceptor or mentor to new nursing staff and nursing students in the CVICU.
  • Participate in continuing education and professional development to stay current with advances in cardiovascular care and ICU practices.