4 Steps to Becoming a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
4 Key Steps to Becoming a Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
Heart health is a critical concern for medical professionals. Reducing heart disease risk minimizes the chances of heart attacks or strokes. Recent statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show over 30 million adults have diagnosed heart disease. Annually, heart disease causes 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S., making it the leading cause of mortality among adults.
Cardiac nurse practitioners (CNPs) play a vital role in heart health management. They provide preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for heart-related conditions.
This article will cover:
Who are cardiac nurse practitioners? What responsibilities do cardiac nurse practitioners have? Where can CNPs be employed? How does one become a CNP? What are the salary prospects and job outlook for CNPs?
Who are cardiac nurse practitioners?
Cardiac nurse practitioners (CNPs) are highly specialized advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). They care for patients with both acute and chronic heart conditions, which may involve electrical or structural issues affecting the heart’s blood vessels. CNPs are integral to cardiac care teams, formulating treatment strategies for heart patients, assisting in heart surgeries, and managing pre and post-surgery care.
Cardiology nurses and cardiac nurse practitioners have different roles. CNPs possess a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, enabling them to diagnose heart conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications across all U.S. states, including Washington, D.C.
What are the duties of a cardiac nurse practitioner?
Typical duties involve performing physical exams, educating patients and families about heart disease, and prescribing medications. Additional responsibilities may vary by employer and include:
Conducting stress tests and interpreting results Assisting in cardiac catheterization procedures, such as stenting Collaborating with cardiac care team members to develop and execute patient care plans Conducting cardiovascular disease risk assessments Designing treatment strategies for cardiac patients Monitoring post-procedure patients Ordering and interpreting diagnostic and lab tests for heart patients Preparing patients for surgeries and other cardiac interventions Prescribing medications as part of a cardiac care strategy
Some CNPs focus on researching cardiac diseases and treatments. Those with a DNP degree often work in research clinics or educational settings, conducting scientific studies or teaching cardiac care to students.
Where do CNPs work?
Cardiac nurse practitioners work in any healthcare setting offering cardiac care, such as cardiac care units, community health centers, hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, or private practices.
Other possible workplaces include:
Ambulatory care centers Intensive care units for cardiac patients Emergency departments State and federal health departments Home healthcare services Palliative care Veteran healthcare facilities
What are the steps to becoming a CNP?
Becoming a CNP requires a long commitment of education, clinical practice, and licensure. The required education, experience, and licensing align with the care level CNPs provide. Here’s how to become a CNP.
Become a registered nurse by earning an associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Pursue a graduate or postgraduate degree, ensuring the program is accredited by ACEN or CCNE, with a focus on cardiac care. Gain experience by completing around 2,000 hours of clinical practice in cardiovascular nursing and 30 hours of continuing education every three years for certification. Get certified as a CNP. Certification requirements vary by state, so nurses must check state boards for mandates before applying. CNPs need to renew their certification every five years. National certification is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification and the American Board of Cardiovascular Credentialing’s Cardiovascular Nursing Level I.
What is the CNP salary and career outlook?
Cardiac nurse practitioners are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 40% growth in NP specialties from 2021 to 2031. CNPs earn an average salary of $118,040, with higher salaries in areas with increased demand for advanced-degree nurses.
