Cardiac Care Program

Program Description

The General Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Unit provides exemplary care for cardiac patients requiring cardiac diagnosis and treatment including heart surgery, state of the art cardiac interventions in the cardiac cath lab and arrhythmia areas delivered in a cohesive, cooperative and integrated manner.

The Cardiac Care Program supports and participates in ongoing research, quality improvement and multidisciplinary activities.

It is located at both Victoria (VH) and University (UH) hospitals.

General Information

  • 116 inpatient and CCU beds
  • 2 cardiac cath labs (UH and VH)
  • EP lab/arrhythmia lab for device implants (UH)
  • Team Composition: Coordinator, Clinical Educator, APN, RNs, unit clerks, Allied health professionals (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, RD, SLP, pharmacist, CCAC), PSA’s and TSAs and Consultants
  • Nurse-to-patient ratio is dependent on patient acuity, but on average, the ratios are as follows:
    • Coronary Care Unit - 1:2
    • 5th Floor Inpatient Ward – 1:4 (days), 1:5 (nights)
    • 6th Floor Inpatient Ward – 1:4 (days), 1:5 or 1:6 (nights)

Hospital Site

Victoria and University Hospitals

Scheduling Information

  • 12-hour shifts at University Hospital and Victoria Hospital
  • Days 0700-1900
  • Nights 1900-0700

Background Essentials

  • No minimum experience required
  • New graduates welcome
  • Cardiac experience preferred

Professional Assets

  • ACLS
  • Venipuncture and IV initiation preferred
  • C.N.A. certification-cardiac
  • CCCN

Professional Development

  • Customized orientation program which includes both classroom and clinical experience
  • Comprehensive development program including communication and interpersonal skills
  • Opportunities to attend conferences
  • Regular updates and in-services

Student Consolidation

  • LHSC is a teaching hospital and the cardiac program values and support the role of the student learner. The program supports students/interns/residents within all the health care disciplines and clerical support staff.
  • All RN preceptors receive preceptorship training.

Program Links

  • Learn more about the Cardiac Care Program on its website.