|
|||
   |
|||
What's It Like For Cardiac RNs?
Kim B., RN
View the video.
"I've been a Cardiac RN here for over 10 years, and I love it because of the collegial, nurturing attitude of everyone - from the most senior cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiologist to the housekeeper and storeroom staff. We combine the highest technological advances with the most basic elements of human benevolence. The care we offer is a well-practiced and beautifully orchestrated endeavor - and we treat our patients as if they were members of our own family."
John Muir Health is a not-for-profit organization that provides comprehensive health care to Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area. We provide a full range of cardiac diagnostic, interventional, preventive and rehabilitative services. Both hospitals have house wide telemetry, and noninvasive programs in which nurses participate in patient care. We have a growing program at both campuses with a great focus on evidence based practice and treatment for patients with congestive heart failure.
Between the two campuses, there are six high-volume labs that use state-of-the-art technology. There are three dedicated cardiac surgery suites that can accommodate the newest cardiac surgical procedures, and four cardiac rehabilitation gyms to assist cardiac patients in their recovery.
The Walnut Creek The Cardiac Catherization Lab performs both non-invasive and invasive cardiac procedures including Percutaneous Coronary Interventions. The Cardiac Rhythm Center utilizes a dedicated suite where complex electrophysiology procedures such as Radiofrequency Ablations of various arrhythmias (i.e. Superventricular Tachycardia, Atrial Fibrillation) are performed. In addition, we also perform Pacemaker and Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) implants, including Biventricular ICD implants. A dedicated Angiography suite is utilized to perform Peripheral Vascular Interventions of the lower extremities, renal and carotid artery stenting and complex neurovascular interventional procedures including cerebral aneurism coiling and stenting.
A Coronary Care Unit for the management of cardiac patients as well as a Chest Pain Center provide high acuity care and utilize protocols for treating patients with high, intermediate and low-risk factors for chest pain.
Our main Cardiac Surgery program is on the Concord campus. That's where we perform coronary bypass surgery, aortic and mitral valve replacements and repairs, minimally invasive open heart surgery and direct surgery for atrial fibrillation treatment as well. We also have a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Step-down Unit, Definitive Care Unit and a Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. In addition, in Concord we have broken ground on a $180 million dollar Patient Care Tower that will house the new Cardiovascular Institute. It will contain 4 brand new Cath Labs, 12 Cardiovascular Intensive Care beds, 17 Step-down beds, 49 Telemetry beds, and an expanded Emergency Department.
The cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have performed thousands of procedures. These specialists are supported by highly skilled and experienced nurses, many of whom hold advanced degrees and national certifications and are considered experts in their field. Also supporting the team are cardiac and radiologic technologists, perfusionists, cardiac rehabilitation specialists and other specialized staff. This is the place to be if you want to be at the leading edge of cardiac care. We are very fortunate in terms of the demographics of our patient population, and the way this company reinvests its resources into technology and facilities to make them the best places for nurses to practice.
Our dream nurse is one who is proactive, independent, has excellent critical thinking skills. Someone who is in tune with best practices and state-of-the-art procedures. Open to innovation and new ideas. Very clinically sound and patient focused.
We do take new grads and both hospitals have the Versant RN Residency program. So many nurses do find their way into the critical care unit and the telemetry units. The higher tech areas like the Cath Lab and the Cardiac OR require more training and clinical foundation before you can enter.
To take your place at the leading edge of cardiac care, consider applying to John Muir Health.