RN - Cardiovascular

HCA Houston Med Ctr · Galena Park, TX Full Time

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Job Description

A Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiovascular specializes in the care of patients with cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and post-operative heart surgery care. Working in various settings such as cardiology clinics, cardiovascular units, intensive care units (ICU), or during heart procedures, the RN provides expert assessment, monitoring, treatment, and education to manage and treat cardiovascular health issues. This role requires an in-depth knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, advanced assessment skills, and the ability to respond rapidly to changes in patient conditions. Key Responsibilities : Patient Assessment and Monitoring : Conduct thorough cardiovascular assessments, including taking detailed health histories, performing physical exams, and monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation). Monitor patients for signs of complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or myocardial infarction. Utilize advanced monitoring equipment (e.g., telemetry, ECG, Holter monitors) to assess heart rhythms, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Track changes in patients' conditions and immediately report significant findings to the healthcare team for timely interventions. Clinical Care and Procedures : Administer prescribed medications, including antihypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics, and antiarrhythmic drugs, while monitoring for side effects and therapeutic effectiveness. Assist with diagnostic procedures such as stress tests, cardiac catheterizations, echocardiograms, and angioplasty, and provide patient education related to these procedures. Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve replacements, or arrhythmia surgeries. Manage postoperative care, including monitoring cardiac output, fluid balance, pain management, and preventing complications such as infection or blood clots. Care Plan Development : Collaborate with cardiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans for patients with cardiovascular conditions. Adjust care plans based on patient progress, test results, and changes in clinical status. Support the patient in managing chronic cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure or hypertension, with ongoing education and lifestyle changes. Patient and Family Education : Educate patients and families on managing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease prevention, dietary modifications, physical activity, and the importance of medication adherence. Provide instruction on monitoring for signs of cardiovascular complications, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or dizziness, and when to seek immediate medical care. Offer support and guidance to patients and families coping with the emotional aspects of heart disease and recovery, including stress management and mental health considerations. Emergency Response and Critical Care : Respond promptly to cardiovascular emergencies such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or cardiac arrest, providing life-saving interventi

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What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Nursing roles in senior living are fundamentally different from hospital nursing. Most positions involve building long-term relationships with the same residents over months or years rather than cycling through new patients every shift. Facilities in the Houston area typically require an active Texas RN or LVN license, current CPR/BLS certification, and many prefer at least one year of geriatric or long-term care experience.

Shift patterns vary widely — some facilities run traditional 8-hour shifts (day, evening, night), while others use 12-hour rotations. Weekend and holiday coverage is almost always part of the schedule. The nurse-to-resident ratio in assisted living is generally more favorable than in hospitals, but you will likely be the highest-level clinical staff on the floor during your shift, which means more autonomy and more responsibility for clinical judgment calls.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.

A typical shift starts with medication pass and resident assessments. You will review overnight notes from the previous shift, check vitals for residents on your watch list, and coordinate with CNAs on any changes in condition. Mid-shift usually involves documentation, family communication, and working with physicians on care plan updates — often by phone or telehealth rather than in-person rounds.

Depending on the facility, you may also handle admissions paperwork, manage wound care, supervise medication techs, and respond to emergencies. The documentation load in senior living is significant — state surveys and compliance requirements mean thorough charting is non-negotiable. Many nurses in this setting say the most rewarding part is knowing their residents personally and being able to notice subtle changes that a rotating hospital nurse might miss.

Houston Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurse positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of $47.02/hr ($97,802/yr). The typical range is $38.29 – $50.95/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Entry Level (10th) $69,368/yr

Houston Median $97,802/yr

Experienced (90th) $125,320/yr

vs. National Median +4.5%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.