Cardiac Specialty Nurse- Operating Room (Full Time, Days)

Job Summary

The Cardiac Specialty Nurse provides specialized perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing complex congenital cardiac surgical procedures. This role supports a high-acuity pediatric and adult congenital heart program, delivering safe, evidence-based care throughout the intraoperative phase.
The nurse is responsible for preparing and managing the operative environment, assisting with complex cardiac procedures, and ensuring adherence to sterile technique, patient safety standards, and surgical protocols. Working in close collaboration with cardiac surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, and the multidisciplinary surgical team, this role contributes to the successful execution of both elective and emergent congenital cardiac interventions.
The Cardiac Specialty Nurse promotes quality outcomes through adherence to best practices, participation in performance improvement initiatives, and commitment to continuous learning in a highly specialized surgical environment.

Job Specific Duties

• Accountable for the coordination of specialty including fiscal responsibility and specified activities (ordering of implants, working with reps) within service line.
• Participates in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, contributing to enhanced clinical outcomes and OR efficiency.
• Assists with orientation and precepting of new staff as needed, supporting skill development in cardiac surgical nursing.
• Maintains readiness for emergent cardiac surgical procedures, including rapid room setup and team mobilization.
• Promotes adherence to infection prevention, regulatory, and perioperative best practice standards (e.g., AORN guidelines).
• Maintains knowledge of congenital cardiac anatomy and surgical techniques to support a wide range of complex procedures.
• Ensures compliance with surgical safety protocols, including time-outs, instrument and sponge counts, and accurate documentation.
• Anticipates intraoperative needs and responds effectively to changes in patient condition or procedural complexity.
• Collaborates with cardiac surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, and the surgical team to ensure efficient case progression and optimal patient outcomes.
• Assists with setup, operation, and troubleshooting of advanced surgical technologies, including robotic-assisted systems and invasive monitoring equipment.
• Supports surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), coordinating with perfusion services and anticipating procedural needs.
• Prepares and manages the operating room environment, ensuring availability and proper functioning of specialized cardiac instrumentation and equipment
• Performs scrub and/or circulating roles for complex cardiac surgeries, maintaining strict sterile technique and procedural accuracy.
• Provides intraoperative nursing care for patients undergoing congenital and adult cardiac surgical procedures, adhering to established clinical and safety standards.
• Coordinates and ensures accuracy of physician preference cards in an effort to expedite all surgeries and build upon physician satisfaction.
• Promotes an “error free” working environment by consistently providing high-quality safe care as prompted.
• Meets or exceeds unit standards in achieving a 95% CEI; completes documentation in a timely manner, and is accountable for regulatory requirements of the DNV, CMS, DOH, & other accrediting agencies.

Minimum Job Requirements

• RN Licensure within the State of Florida or Multi-State Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association BLS - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• American Heart Association PALS required within 2 years of hire - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• 1-3 years of perioperative nursing experience, preferably in an acute care surgical setting

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• BSN degree highly preferred or currently enrolled in BSN program (requiring proof) within 6 months of hire
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in cardiac surgery strongly preferred
• Advanced clinical knowledge of congenital cardiac anatomy, surgical procedures, and specialized equipment and technologies
• Experience supporting complex surgical procedures in the operating room, including scrubbing and/or circulating roles
• Experience supporting robotic-assisted cardiac surgical procedures and related technologies preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage intraoperative workflow, prioritize tasks, and respond effectively in emergent situations
• Career Development: National certification Certified Pediatric Nurse (CNOR/CPN) and/or certification equivalent, preferably within 5 years of hire
• Able to analyze and interpret data and utilize the information to make judgments regarding patient care
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesia, perfusionist and surgical technologists
• Congenital cardiac surgery experience preferred, including familiarity with pediatric and adult congenital heart procedures
• Ability to perform skills in all specialty areas
• Ability to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families and co-workers
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to positively influence, hold self and others accountable
• Able to work effectively in a collaborative environment
• Ability to apply principles of evidence-based practice, analytical thinking and service excellence in practice
• Basic proficiency in computers and Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
• Participation in quality improvement, patient safety, or evidence-based practice initiatives preferred
• Experience supporting cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures, including coordination with perfusion, preferred