Nursing

Cardiovascular Nursing Specialties

Cardiovascular nursing is practiced on seven patient care units at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester. The specialty is further subdivided into medical and surgical cardiovascular nursing, including intensive care, intermediate care, interventional care, and step-down. The cardiovascular division is one of the largest specialties at Mayo and is comprised of more than 400 nurses who are committed to providing the best care to patients with cardiovascular concerns, both medical and surgical. They accomplish this goal through a highly integrated and cooperative effort between the nursing staff, physicians, and other allied health professionals in a team approach that provides outstanding patient care. The cardiovascular division cares for approximately 46,000 medical patients and 3,000 surgical patients annually. Because the field of cardiology is truly dynamic and advances are continuously being introduced, the latest in care for patients is supported by clinical research and continuing education programs.

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory - MB4
The cardiac cath lab unit has 8 procedure rooms that perform adult and pediatric procedures. This unit performed 7,109 diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedures and over 1,700 interventional procedures last year. The registered nurse provides coordination and organization for the Outpatient/AM Admit Cardiac Lab Service by independently managing, screening and educating patients per protocol. Interacts with patients in the clinical and hospital setting by collaborating with multiple Mayo Clinic staff. Provides nursing services during the episode of care in the Cardiac Lab setting (pre-/intra-/post procedure). Manages discharge from cardiac lab services.

Schedule Options:

• Monday through Friday (variable times throughout week; 8 and 10 hour schedule shifts)
• On call; not in-house
  1-2 week nights per month
  2-3 weekends per year
  1 holiday every 3-4 years

Cardiovascular Interventional - FR4C
This 33-bed cardiovascular interventional unit is a monitored unit. The majority of the patient population consists of patients having procedures for known cardiac disease (PTCA/stent, rotoblade, lasers, valvuloplasty, ablations, pacemakers, implantable defibrillator, and atrial septal repair) who do not require the CCU. Interventional physician extenders and cardiology services (as directed by the Cath Lab and electrophysiology physicians) provide medical management for these patients. Patient length of stay is approximately 24-48 hours with high acuity the first 12 hours postprocedure. In addition, this unit cares for cardiovascular medical overflow patients and patients initiated and maintained on Flolan, for pulmonary hypertension. The specialty nurse will be responsible for administration of Flolan if the patient isn't able to self-administer the medication.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend 8/12 combination
• 8-hour shifts weekdays, with 12-hour shifts every third weekend

Cardiovascular Surgical - MB5CF
This 37-bed surgical cardiovascular step-down unit serves adult and pediatric patients. All patient rooms have ECG monitoring with rhythm identification and interpretation being one area of responsibility assumed by the nursing staff. Additional monitoring services available to meet patient needs are SpO² monitoring, noninvasive blood pressure, and arrhythmia detection. Pulmonary care, promoting independence in activities of daily living, and emotional support, along with extensive patient education and discharge planning, are aspects of professional nursing practice on this unit. The nursing process is utilized along with the primary care delivery system. Coronary bypass grafts, valvular repair/replacements, and congenital anomaly repairs generally comprise the patient census, which draws local, national, and international clients. In addition, medical-surgical patients needing ECG monitoring are cared for on this unit.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend
• 8/12 combination; work 8-hour shifts weekdays, with 12-hour shifts every third weekend
• 8-hour shifts, with every third weekend

Cardiovascular Surgical ICU - MB5BG
The 25-bed intensive care unit that is one of the premier cardiac surgery centers in the nation. This highly specialized unit provides technologically advanced postoperative management for all patient populations requiring cardiac surgery -- from neonate to geriatric. An extensive multidisciplinary team and advanced support modalities such as Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD) and ECMO, in addition to multiple other critical care technologies, make this an exciting and challenging place to work. State-of-the-art computerized documentation and monitoring systems are utilized. Family-centered care is supported with open visiting and a strong commitment to continuity of care and the primary nursing care delivery model. The high acuity and technologically advanced environment create numerous practice, research, and educational opportunities. Additionally, shared decision making allows multiple avenues for nurses to grow professionally.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend
• 8/12 combination; work 8-hour shifts weekdays, with 12-hour shifts every third weekend
• A self-scheduling model is used for staffing the unit.

Cardiovascular Surgery ICU - MB6DE
An 8-bed intensive care unit and 14-bed progressive care unit that is one of the premier cardiac surgery centers in the nation. This highly specialized unit provides technologically advanced postoperative management for adult patient populations requiring cardiac surgery. An extensive multidisciplinary team and advanced support modalities such as Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD), in addition to multiple other critical care technologies, make this an exciting and challenging place to work. This unit is also part of the Healing Enhancement Program offering our patients complementary therapies such as music and massage. State-of-the-art computerized documentation and monitoring systems are utilized. Family-centered care is supported with open visiting and a strong commitment to continuity of care. The high acuity and technologically advanced environment create numerous practice, research, and educational opportunities. Additionally, shared decision making allows multiple avenues for nurses to grow professionally.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend - ICU
• 8- and 12-hour shifts or all 12-hour shifts every other or every third weekend - ICA

Medical Cardiology - JO4B
This 17-bed cardiovascular intermediate care area specializes in the care of monitored and nonmonitored cardiac patients, including those with myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. Patients receive additional support from the cardiac rehabilitation team.

Schedule options:

• A self-scheduling model is used for staffing the unit.
• 12-hour shifts, every third weekend
• 8-hour shifts, every other weekend
• 8/12-hour shift, every other weekend (8-hour weekday shifts and 12-hour weekend shifts)

Medical Cardiology - DO4D
This 38-bed medical cardiovascular intermediate care area provides care for patients with the following diagnoses: myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. Patients receive additional support via the cardiac rehabilitation team model.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend
• 8/12 combination; work 8-hour shifts weekdays, with 12-hour shifts every third weekend
• 8-hour shifts, with every other weekend

Medical Cardiology ICU - MB4DE
This 16-bed specialized unit provides care to critically ill adult patients with altered cardiac function and hemodynamic instability. A multidisciplinary team including medicine, nursing, cardiovascular monitoring technicians, dietitians, chaplains, and others provide care collaboratively and effectively. Computerized charting is used for flow sheet, patient data and vital signs. Family-centered care is supported with open visitation and comfortable family waiting areas.

Schedule options:

• 12-hour shifts, with every third weekend
• 8-hour shifts, with every other weekend