Cardiac step-down nurses care for patients recovering from heart surgery or major cardiac arrest. These patients are stable enough and do not require to be in ICU but still need constant monitoring. Cardiac step-down nurses with the help of their advanced technical skills and emotional support guide patients from crisis to recovery. In this blog, we will discuss the role of cardiac step-down nurses and the challenges that they face.
Cardiac step-down nurses
Cardiac step-down nurses deal with patients who not only are suffering from heart diseases but also other conditions such as diabetes, lung issues etc. hence the job of stepdown cardiac nurses is complex at one time they are administering medications to the patient and the next, they are helping the patient and their family navigate the overwhelming emotions that comes with the recovery.
What is the role of cardiac step-down nurses?
Cardiac step-down nurses take care of patients who are not only suffering from heart conditions but also other conditions hence making their job more complicated, these patients are not facing life-death situations but still need continuous monitoring. The role of cardiac step-down nurses are as follows:
- Monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and ECG (Electrocardiogram) readings.
- Stepdown nurses administer medications such as antiarrhythmic drugs, blood pressure medications, etc to the patients to manage their heart conditions.
- Stepdown nurses also educate the patient and their family about heart health, lifestyle changes, recovery process, and medications.
- Cardiac step-down nurses also contribute to care planning by working with other healthcare workers such as surgeons, dietitians, and physical therapists to ensure patients receive comprehensive treatment.
- They also provide emotional support and help patients to cope with anxiety, fear or depression related to their health condition.
Challenges faced by cardiac step-down nurses
Stepdown nurses work with patients who are not facing life-death situations but still, their job has high-stress demands, emotional tolls, and complex clinical scenarios. Some of the challenges that are faced by cardiac step-down nurses are as follows:
- Cardiac step-down nurses not only deal with patients who are suffering from heart conditions but also underlying medical problems such as diabetes, lung issues, pulmonary complications, etc.
- Step down nurses monitor high risk patients, even though they are in stable condition and not as serious as the patients in ICU, but step-down nurses have to remain active all the time. They should be vigilant to recognize the signs of complications and act quickly to avoid any complications.
- The nurse-to-patient ratio is high; therefore, they face the challenge of time management and workload.
- Cardiac step-down nurses work in high-stress environments that are both physically and mentally demanding.
- Long shifts and complex patients need results in burnout and fatigue.
- Cardiac step-down nurses must keep up with the new advancements which require continuous education, which can also be challenging.
What is ICU step down nurses?
ICU stepdown nurses are specialized stepdown nurses who take care of patients that need a higher level of care than what is provided in common medical surgical units. ICU step down nurse’s work in the unit that serves as transitional area between ICU and med surg unit also known as step down or progressive care unit. The patients here are more stable than ICU patients but still require continuous monitoring.
What is the difference between cardiac step-down nurse and nurse practitioner?
Cardiac step-down nurses: Specialized registered nurses who work in step down unit or progressive care unit. They take care of patients who are suffering from heart conditions. The patients in step-down units are not as serious as the patients in ICU but still need constant monitoring.
Nurse practitioner: Nurse practitioners are licensed healthcare providers that perform same tasks as a physician such as prescribing medications, diagnosing health conditions, developing treatment plans etc. They have master’s or doctoral degree such as ((Master of Science in Nursing – MSN, or Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP).
What is an ACT program in cardiac care?
ACT stands for Acute Care Team program; cardiac step-down nurses work closely with ACT to provide urgent assessment of the patients showing signs of deterioration. They constantly monitor patients for signs that meet ACT criteria such as chest pain, breathing problems, and plummeting blood pressure. The role of cardiac step-down nurses is:
- Collaboration with the ACT program
- Monitor ACT criteria.
- Calling ACT for immediate evaluation.
- Providing a report to ACT team.
- Ongoing involvement in care.
- Effective communication for rapid intervention.
Can a cardiac step-down nurse become a travel step-down nurse?
Yes, cardiac step-down nurses can become travel nurses. There is a high demand for step-down nurses, but it is important that cardiac step-down nurses have the education, certifications and experience that is required to become a travel nurse. At least 1 to 2 years of experience is required before becoming a travel nurse. If you are a step-down nurse and looking for a job that provides a flexible schedule and higher pay, then join SkillGigs and become a step-down travel nurse with us.
How long does a patient stay in the step-down unit?
On average a patient can stay for 1-5 days in step down unit, but the length of time depends on several factors such as their condition, recovery time, etc.
What is the nurse-patient ratio in step step-down unit?
The nurse-patient ratio in step-down units varies according to facility policies, patient acuity, etc. but the average nurse-patient ratio in step-down units is 1:3 or 1:4 ie one nurse can take care of 3 to 4 patients at one time.
Describe the role of travel nurses in health care
Travel nurses play an important role in healthcare. They fill the gaps where there is a shortage of staff to provide effective patient care. Travel nurses work on contracts typically for 13 weeks but it can vary from a few days to several months depending on their demand. Under emergencies when there is a shortage of staff, travel nurses come to the rescue to provide patient care when needed.
Conclusion
Cardiac step-down nurses play an important role in healthcare industry taking care of patients who are suffering from heart conditions. The patients in the step-down unit not only suffer from heart conditions but also other underlying medical conditions which makes the job of step-down nurses more challenging. These patients are not as critical as ICU patients but still need continuous monitoring. If you are a cardiac step-down nurse and want to become a travel nurse, then download our SkillGigs app and become part of our travel nursing world. SkillGigs will provide you with an opportunity to work in top healthcare facilities with high pay and benefits.
