CARDIAC CARE – LEVEL 5 UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Program Description:


The Cardiac Care Program on Level 5 at University Hospital consists of three unique yet integrated specialty areas. The Nursing staff on this unit provides exemplary care to patients during the acute phase of their Coronary Artery Disease; prepares patients for tests/procedures related to diagnosis, as well as cares for patients undergoing cardiac
procedures and interventions. The Cardiac Program supports and participates in ongoing research, quality improvement and multidisciplinary activities.


General Information:


Number of beds:


  • 11 CCU beds, 15 Arrhythmia/Cardiology (A/C) beds, 10 Short Stay Unit (SSU) beds

Team Composition:


  • Registered Nurses, Clinical Educator, NP/CNS, Coordinator, Consultants, Allied Health Team consisting of Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Social Worker, Pharmacist, CCAC, Communication Clerks, PSA’s, and TSA

Nurse to patient ratio:


  • CCU – Days 1:2 or 3, Nights 1:2 or 3
  • Roles also include Arrest/Code Nurse, Remote Telemetry Nurse
  • A/C – Days 1:4, Nights 1:5
  • SSU – Days 3:10, Nights 2:10

Scheduling Information:


  • Shift times: 0730-1930; 1930-0730
  • Scheduling options: Master Rotation of DDNN/off 5, and Self-Scheduling (flexible)

Background Essentials:


  • BSCN or equivalent
  • Current Basic Cardiac Life Support
  • Cardiology or Coronary Care nursing experience

Professional Assets:


  • Demonstrated skills in interpreting ECG arrhythmias preferred
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
  • Venipuncture / IV starts preferred
  • Cardiovascular C.N.A. Certification
  • Coronary Care Level 1 and Level 2 preferred
  • Experience with Femoral Arterial Sheath Removal

Professional Development:


  • Cardiac orientation program which includes both classroom and clinical experience
  • Cardiac Skills Fair
  • Arrhythmia Education Day
  • Opportunities to attend conferences
  • Regular In-services offered
  • On-site Clinical Educator

Student Consolidation:


  • LHSC is a teaching hospital which values and supports the role of the student learner. The program supports students/interns/residents within all the health care disciplines and support staff. Fourth year student RN’s are offered a precepted consolidation program working the schedule of the preceptor to develop the student as part of the health care team on 5IP. Preceptorship training is offered to all RN
    preceptors.

Program Links:


  • The Cardiac website is accessible internally with links to many other websites.