Cardiac Nurse
Cardiac Technologist
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Paediatric Cardiologist
Perfusionist

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 
Cardiologists are physicians certified to diagnose, treat and manage disorders of the cardiovascular or circulatory system - heart, arteries and veins.

Cardiologists have a high level of responsibility and carry out tasks including diagnosing heart abnormalities, using medical imaging, assisting cardiac surgeons, determining treatment plans and attending follow-up appointments with patients.

Cardiology Consultants work with other healthcare professionals to create personalised treatment plans for patients with heart-related issues.

They collaborate with surgeons, nurses, exercise physiologists and dieticians to develop plans to help their patients improve, monitor and treat their heart disease. They also work with patients who have recently undergone heart surgery to help them through the recovery process.

Most plans that Cardiology Consultants create for their patients are a mix of prescription medications and recommended lifestyle changes, like dietary adjustments and physical exercise regimes. Cardiology consultants work with other health care professionals to create personalised treatment plans for patients with heart-related issues.

They collaborate with surgeons, nurses, exercise physiologists and dieticians to develop plans to help their patients improve, monitor and treat their heart disease. They also work with patients who have recently undergone heart surgery to help them through the recovery process. Most plans that Cardiology Consultants create for their patients are a mix of prescription medications and recommended lifestyle changes, like dietary adjustments and physical exercise regimes.

ANZSCO ID: 253312

Alternative names: Cardiology Physician,  Cardiology Consultant,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• able to motivate and manage yourself
• analytical judgement
• making complex decisions in difficult situations
• confidence in referring to others when something is outside your expertise
• an interest in the cardiovascular system and effective therapy
• high energy levels
• working in and having the potential to lead a team
• able to communicate well with colleagues and patients

Cardiologist listening to heart
(Source: PBMC Health)

Duties and Tasks

• Examines patients to determine the nature and extent of problems after referral from general medical practitioners and other medical specialists, and undertakes laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
• Analyses test results and other medical information to make diagnoses.
• Prescribes and administers drugs, as well as remedial and therapeutic treatment and procedures.
• Records medical information and data.
• Reports specified contagious and notifiable diseases to government health and immigration authorities.
• May admit or refer patients to hospitals.
• May consult other medical specialists.

Working conditions

Cardiology can be a high pressured job, involving long hours and weekend work - although private consultants have more control over their hours. Cardiologists usually work in small private offices or clinics, and are often assisted by a small staff of nurses and administrative personnel.

Frequent travel between their office and their appointed hospital is required, as is being 'on call' in case of an emergency.


Tools and technologies

Cardiologists need to become familiar with different procedures including stress testing, cardiac catheterisation, radiology studies, ECG and a variety of other techniques to diagnose heart conditions.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a cardiologist, you must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in cardiology. To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.

To specialise in cardiology, doctors can apply to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to undertake further training and ultimately receive fellowship. To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency).

To work as a cardiologist in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Board of Australia.

Did You Know? Heartbeat of Football Our charity has been on a long yet rewarding journey since 2015, when Andy witnessed his Forest Rangers FC teammate Matt Richardson die from a cardiac arrest playing over 35’s football. Two days later his good friend, Peter Katholos (ex-NSL and Socceroos player) witnessed his Belmore Hercules teammate die the same way. It was obvious that something needed to be done to stop these deaths at football grounds. Heartbeat of Football (HoF), a not-for-profit organisation, was established in early 2016 by media personality and football enthusiast Andy Paschalidis as a direct result of these events. Heartbeat of Football promotes healthy hearts in sport via: Awareness & Education: player, participant & community programs Prevention: minimisation of health risks through simple screening checks Action: "rescue-ready" defibrillators at all sporting fields across Australia Hear Andy's story of HoF here on Conversations Andy grew up to be one of the first Greek-Australian sports broadcasters on TV and radio on SBS and 2GB, and he never lost his zeal for football. When he was in his early 50s, Andy joined an ordinary weekend over-35s football game as he did each weekend. His friend and fellow player Matt Richardson had a heart attack on the pitch that day and died. He was just 42 years old. Then Andy discovered another friend had recently seen his teammate die exactly the same way. He decided to take six months off work to find a way to reduce the number of deaths in Australian amateur football. Further information Originally broadcast March 2024. When Andy's conversation with Richard first went to air, a listener named Kevin Whitby realised he was having a heart attack. Minutes later, he presented himself to the emergency department at Wollongong Hospital, where medical staff confirmed he needed immediate treatment. Since we last spoke with Andy, last year in Sydney alone, six footballers (the youngest of which was 13 years old) have been saved in the midst of on-field cardiac incidents by the defibrillators provided by Andy's charity.

Paediatric cardiologists diagnose and treat children with heart conditions before they are born, through childhood and into adulthood. Pediatric cardiologists treat a range of heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. These heart conditions can be divided into two key categories: congenital and acquired. Some conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, can be both congenital or acquired. Congenital heart conditions refer to issues children are born with, including structural malformations, such as holes in the heart or valve anomalies. Some conditions may be easily repaired through surgery while others require life-long care.

Their patients will be infants and children with complex diagnostic and medical problems, and they work closely with specialist colleagues in a multidisciplinary team.

As well as being an expert in heart disease, they also need a thorough grounding in general paediatrics. Paediatric cardiologists work closely with the patient’s family to explain complicated procedures and support and reassure them.

Paediatric cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions such as congenital heart disease that is present at birth, variations in heartbeat rhythms (arrhythmias) and problems with circulatory function. In some cases, a heart transplant may be required.

(Source: Health Careers UK)

Children might see a paediatric cardiologist if there are concerns about:

• congenital heart disease

• high or low blood pressure

• a heart murmur

• an unusual or irregular heartbeat

• acquired heart disease

• a pre-existing condition or family history that could indicate high risk for developing heart issues. Patients with genetic syndromes, such as Down syndrome and Marfan syndrome, may seek help proactively managing associated heart issues.

• another type of heart condition.
  

Congenital heart conditions refer to issues children are born with, including structural malformations, such as holes in the heart or valve anomalies. Some conditions may be easily repaired through surgery while others require life-long care.

Congenital heart conditions include but are not limited to:

• Aortopathy

• Cardiomyopathy

• Aortic regurgitation

• Pulmonary stenosis

• Coarctation of the aorta (COA)

• Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)

• Atrial septal defect (ASD)

• Patent foramen ovale (PFO)
  

Listening to newborn's heart
(Source: RACP)

Acquired heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, develop over time. Some acquired conditions can become serious enough to necessitate heart transplantation.

Acquired heart conditions include but are not limited to:

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Myocarditis

• Cardiomyopathy

• Heart failure

• High blood pressure (pulmonary hypertension)

• Syncope

• Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)

• Kawasaki disease
  

When a child sees a paediatric cardiologist, the cardiologist might do tests to identify the problem with the child’s heart. These tests might include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerised tomography (CT).

Paediatric Cardiologists might care for babies with heart conditions before they are born (Foetal cardiology).  “The foetal echocardiogram can help us triage cases in advance and decide, for example, if the mother needs to deliver at an advanced medical centre because the baby might need immediate care.”

They might also close holes in the heart with devices, replacing heart valves and stretching narrow heart valves or blood vessels with balloons (Interventional cardiology) - heart surgery

Some children with heart conditions in the Cairns region are waiting almost a year for medical reviews. The paediatric cardiology service in Far North Queensland relies on a single specialist.
(Source: ABC News June 2025)

ANZSCO ID: 253312

Alternative names: Pediatric Cardiologist (USA),
  
Specialisations: Foetal heart problems (Foetal cardiology),

• Pediatric heart surgeons, or pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, are physicians specially trained to do heart surgery on children. They perform a range of procedures, including heart and lung transplants and interventions to repair structural heart defects. Paediatric cardiologists and paediatric heart surgeons collaborate closely on a patient’s care. A patient may be diagnosed by a paediatric cardiologist, see a paediatric heart surgeon for transplant surgery, and then return to their cardiologist for post-surgery recovery treatment and long-term care.

  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

• excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families and the ability to interact positively in a team and in a
  cross-cultural work environment. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

• emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure

• flexibility; an ability to work in a complex and unpredictable environment.

• teamwork and the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams

• problem-solving and diagnostic skills

• outstanding organisational ability and effective decision-making skills

• first-class time and resource management for the benefit of patients

• evidence of commitment to continuing education, teaching, research and quality improvement activities

• For Regional & Remote areas: a demonstrated interest in and a commitment to improving Indigenous health and an understanding of rheumatic heart disease.
  
  
  
  

(Source: UCLA)

Duties and Tasks

In a hospital: Clinical

• Provides specialist Paediatric Cardiology services in the management of congenital and acquired heart disease in infants, paediatric and adolescent patients  including afterhours cover

• Undertakes clinical duties within the Cardiology Department as directed by the Head of
  Department

• Conduct regular paediatric cardiology outpatient sessions at the hospital (and in remote or regional communities)

• Provides specialist Paediatric Cardiology services upon request/upon receipt of appropriate referral from medical practitioners

• Participation in on-call/after-hours/weekend roster (on pro rata basis; anticipate ~1 in 5)

• Supervise and report on inpatient and outpatient echocardiograms, 24-hour Halter monitors ECG, Stress test and pacemaker checks.

• Reviews /assesses patients when on-call, when admitted under Cardiology care or when requested by other hospital staff

• Provide specialist paediatric cardiology advice to colleagues in geographically isolated or regional centres

• Responsible for the supervision and teaching of junior medical staff, nursing and allied
  health staff  in the management of children and adolescents with congenital and
  acquired heart disease. Participate in continuous medical education including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, professional development, peer review, research, and quality improvement activities.

• Conducts clinical review and clinical management of patients referred to outpatient
  services

•  Conducts regular clinical review of patients at appropriate intervals with doctors in training with a focus on clinical care, quality and safety, medication safety, appropriate use of hospital resources, discharge planning, ensuring that the medical record is accurately updated after review of each patient, discharge summaries, coordination of care post discharge and appropriate cardiology follow up. Collaborate with other medical, nursing, and allied health colleagues to review and revise policies, procedures and guidelines in line with national and international recommendations.

• Takes a leadership and mentoring role for doctors in training and others within the
  Department

• Foster a positive workplace culture through exemplary leadership practices and role modelling behaviour

•  Support and liaises with patients, carers, medical colleagues, nursing, allied health, support staff, external agencies and the private sector to provide coordinated multidisciplinary care

•  Provides medical reports and undertakes other administrative/management tasks as
  required

•  Participates in departmental and other meetings as required to meet organisational and service objectives

•  Participates in relevant clinical governance committees including regular clinical reviews, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and morbidity/mortality reviews as required.

• Attends to medico legal issues that arise concerning patients that have been under their
  care and advises the Head of Department about complaints they receive pertaining to
  themselves or other doctors

In the hospital: Education, Training & Research

• Engages in continuing professional development/education and ensures continuous
  eligibility for relevant specialist medical registration

•  Participates in regular peer review and case review meetings

•  Develops and participates in clinical research activities relevant to speciality

•  Participates and assists in the continued medical educational activities of medical students, doctors in training, non-specialist medical officers, visiting medical practitioners, nurses and other health workers (including formal presentations and/or tutorials as required).

(Source: Pedcardio)

Working conditions

Paediatric cardiologists work longer hours than in most medical specialties because of the complex nature of the work. This includes a significant on-call commitment as patients are often admitted at night or have urgent post-operative needs.

Tools and technologies

Paediatric cardiologists use a range of advanced scanning and diagnostic techniques to assess conditions such as foetal cardiac abnormalities in the womb, heart failure in children and heart murmurs. 

Paediatric cardiologists investigate children with signs or symptoms of heart disease using tests like

• echocardiography (Echo) including foetal echocardiography

• lectrocardiography (ECG)

• exercise stress testing (EST)

• cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)

• diagnostic cardiac catheterization (Cath Lab)
  

Foetal Cardiology involves the assessment of foetal cardiac health using an echocardiogram (echo). A foetal echocardiogram uses ultrasound based technology (sound waves) to evaluate the foetal heart. The foetal heart is assessed with the probe (camera) placed over the abdomen of the mother. Foetal echo is usually performed around 20-22 weeks of gestation and can diagnose structural heart issues as well as cardiac rhythm issues.
(Source: Pedcardio)

Education and training/entrance requirements

A qualified paediatric cardiologist requires a medical degree in cardiology, as well as internship and residency in paediatrics.

To embark on a successful journey as a cardiologist, begin by earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like biomedical science, or pre-medicine. This foundational knowledge will give you the necessary groundwork to pursue advanced studies in the field like paediatric cardiology.

•  Eligible for registration by the Medical Board of Australia.

•  Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Paediatric Cardiology, or equivalent higher qualification registrable by the Medical Board of Australia as a Specialist.

•  Demonstrated extensive knowledge, clinical experience and leadership in area of specialty.

•  Demonstrated experience and commitment to clinical teaching and clinical research

•  Demonstrated high level interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution skills with an
  ability to liaise effectively with patients, individuals and the multidisciplinary team

•  Demonstrated high level written and verbal communication skills

•  Current knowledge of legislative obligations for Equal Opportunity, Disability Services

• Work Health and Safety, and how these impact on employment and service delivery

• Working With Children (WWC) Check, compulsory check for people who carry out child-
  related work

• Provision of the minimum identity proofing requirements in line with the standards set by
  the National Security Strategy

•  Successful criminal record screening clearance

•  Successful pre-employment integrity check

•  Successful pre-employment health assessment
  

Desirable selection criteria

•  Post final fellowship subspecialty or academic training or qualifications in one or more of, but not limited to, the following areas;

  •  Adult congenital heart disease, including management of cardiac problems
    during pregnancy

  •  Foetal cardiology

  •  Cardiac imaging

  •  Advanced echocardiographic cardiac imaging including 3D imaging skills
    

Employment Opportunities

• specialise or conduct research in areas such as foetal cardiology and adult congenital heart disease

• teach medical students or postgraduate students in training 
  

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who surgically treats diseases affecting the organs in the chest, predominantly the heart, lungs and oesophagus. Cardiothoracic surgeons work closely with other medical professionals to treat life-threatening diseases such as heart failure, lung cancer, endocarditis, congenital heart defects, and pulmonary embolisms. They also perform heart and lung transplants and coronary bypass surgeries.

Cardiothoracic surgeons see the immediate and often life-changing results of their work. Since the end of the Second World War cardiothoracic surgery has seen accelerated growth, along with rapidly evolving technological changes. This medical specialty is relatively young and is still evolving.

A diagnosis of heart disease begins with a patient's primary care physician, who will then refer them to a cardiologist. If their cardiologist decides that they need surgery, he or she will refer them to a cardiothoracic surgeon, who becomes a new member of their heart-health team.

A cardiothoracic surgeon may treat: coronary artery disease or blockages of the arteries in the heart, blockages in the heart valve(s), leaking heart valve(s), abnormal enlargement or aneurysms of the large arteries in the chest, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Monitoring patients in intensive care is an important part of a cardiothoracic surgeon's work. Although cardiothoracic surgery is very safe, complications can sometimes occur, including heart-beat irregularity (arrhythmias), stroke, post-operative bleeding, fluid around the lungs, infection, or thrombosis.

ANZSCO ID: 253512

Alternative names: Cardiac Surgeon, Cardiovascular Surgeon, General Thoracic Surgeon, Congenital Heart Surgeon, Heart Surgeon

Specialisations: Within the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery, there are specific specialties - adult cardiac surgery, children's cardiac surgery, general thoracic surgery (disorders of the lungs and esophagus), congential cardiac surgery, and heart and lung transplant surgery.

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

• Doctorate in Medicine
• Extensive and stable work history
  License to practice
• The ability to perform under pressure
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience.      

Cardiothoracic surgeons have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon examining heart image
(Source: Career Explorer)

Duties and Tasks

• Examines patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimates and explains risks to patients, and selects the best operational procedures.
• Reviews reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories.
• Consults with anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients.
• Performs surgical operations.
• Examines instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed.
• Instructs other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements.
• Prescribes post-operative care, and observes and investigates patients' progress.
• Maintains records of operations performed.
• May specialise in particular types of operations.

Working conditions

Cardiothoracic surgeons work in public and private hospitals as surgical specialists. They also may supervise and teach medical students. They may be required to work long shifts, odd hours and weekends. They may be required to be on-call in case of an emergency. Cardiothoracic surgeons are also involved in the treatment and management of many different conditions within their specialty, which may involve their presence at outpatient clinics, team meetings, and ward rounds.

Cardiothoracic surgeons may have to operate for long periods at a time. They operate in completely sterile theatre rooms and must wear protective clothing.

Cardiothoracic surgeons that are just starting out can expect to work long and irregular hours. They are often on call, and will need to work whenever an emergency comes up and a patient needs surgery immediately. Surgeons that work with large teams may trade off on call shifts with others on their team or can switch between working day and night shifts.

Cardiothoracic surgeons may perform two operations one day and four or five the next, depending on their patients' needs. This is a demanding career, and knowing how to manage stress is extremely important.

(Source: The Apprentice Doctor)

Tools and technologies

Cardiothoracic surgeons use a range of specialised surgical instruments when operating including scalpels, clamps, retractors, forceps and cardiopulmonary bypass machines.

Outside of the operating theatre, cardiothoracic surgeons use technologies such as angiographs, X-rays, echocardiograms, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans to assist in planning appropriate courses of action and to follow up after surgery.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, you must first become a qualified doctor and then specialise in cardiothoracic surgery. To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.

To then specialise in cardiothoracic surgery, you must register with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and undergo a training program at accredited hospitals, and ultimately receive fellowship. To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency).

To work as a cardiothoracic surgeon in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Board of Australia

Cardiac technologists provide technical services for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. As part of the cardiology team, cardiac technologists operate a range of specialist equipment, which provides data that cardiologists and other medical practitioners use for patient care.

ANZSCO ID: 311212

Alternative names: Cardiac Scientist, Cardiac Technician, Clinical Measurement Technician, Electrocardiogram (ECG) technician,

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

• careful and analytical approach to work
• sympathetic, supportive and professional approach to patients
• ability to follow safety guidelines
• good communication skills
• commitment to ongoing professional development
• able to work as part of a team      

Cardiac Technologist monitoring heart beats
(Source: PBMC Health)

Duties and Tasks

Cardiac technologists may perform the following tasks:

• electrocardiography (ECG) - recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and its pattern and rhythm are interpreted
• ambulatory monitoring - fitting a portable ECG monitor to record the ECG over a 24-hour period, and replaying and analysing the tape on a computerised system
• exercise ECG stress testing - assessing a patient's cardiac response to exercise using a treadmill or stationary bicycle and ECG recording
• pacemaker implant testing - testing and, if necessary, reprogramming implanted cardiac pacemakers with computerised equipment
• cardiac catheterisation - monitoring and recording ECG and blood pressure data during interventional procedures
• electrophysiology studies - using computerised systems to record ECG data from within the heart in order to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms
• echocardiography - operating ultrasound equipment to scan the heart from the chest wall, obtaining and measuring images of the heart to assess blood flow and valve abnormalities
• cardiac research - studying the effects of cardiovascular drugs and diseases using many of the above techniques

Working conditions

Cardiac technologists may be required to be on call.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a cardiac technologist you usually have to complete a degree at university with a major in biophysics, health science, nursing, physiology or exercise physiology. Once you are employed, you will receive some on-the-job training and may be required to undertake further study in cardiac technology.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics are normally required.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study.

Cardiac technologists performing echocardiograms need to be accredited with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Student membership is also available for students participating in an ASAR-accredited medical ultrasound programme of study.

A perfusionist is a highly trained member of the cardiothoracic surgical team who is an expert in using the heart-lung machine (also called the cardiopulmonary bypass machine) during cardiac surgery. The heart-lung bypass machine maintains safe and stable patient circulation while the heart is stopped for surgical repair. Perfusionists may operate such equipment during any medical situation where it is necessary to support or temporarily substitute for the patient’s heart and lung function. This machine is necessary during a surgery where a cardiopulmonary bypass is needed in order to manage the patient's physiological and metabolic needs. This enables the cardiothoracic surgeon to operate on a still, unbeating heart. Perfusionists work alongside cardiothoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, surgical technologists, and nurses.

Perfusion describes the naturally occurring process of blood and oxygen delivery to the organs and tissues of the body.

Heart-Lung Machine
(Source: Career Explorer)

Perfusionists utilise a heart-lung machine to facilitate blood circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped during heart surgery; and to facilitate blood oxygenation while the patient’s lungs are temporarily stopped. Cardiopulmonary bypass ensures perfusion of the patient’s organs and tissues. During heart surgery, the heart and lungs are bypassed and blood is pumped outside the body through plastic tubes and through an oxygenator – then back into the patient to deliver blood and oxygen to the patient’s organs and tissues. Most heart operations require the services of a perfusionist to operate the heart-lung bypass machine. Some perfusionists specifically train to work in paediatrics.

Perfusionists are very important members of the cardiovascular surgical team because they are responsible for running the heart-lung (cardiopulmonary bypass) machine and are responsible for the management of circulatory and respiratory functions of the patient. The heart-lung machine diverts blood away from the heart and lungs. It also adds oxygen to the blood, then returns the blood back to the body. This is all done without the blood having to go through the heart. The perfusionist and heart-lung machine allow the cardiothoracic surgeon to focus on the actual surgical procedure and less on the immediate needs of the patient.

Alternative names: Clinical Perfusionist, Cardiovascular Perfusionist, Perfusion Technologist, Clinical cardiac perfusionist,

Knowledge, skills and attributes      

They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly.     

(Source: Mayo Careers)

Duties and Tasks

During surgery, perfusionists regulate levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, and use the heart-lung machine to maintain blood flow to the body’s tissues. Perfusionists are also responsible for measuring blood cell count and monitoring circulation. They may at times administer medicines through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit under the direction of the anesthesiologist and surgeon. Some other responsibilities include blood collection and processing, implementing and managing the intra-aortic balloon pump, adult and infant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as well as monitoring of anticoagulation, electrolyte, acid-base balance and blood-gas composition.

In some hospitals, perfusionists place and manage patients on ventricular assist devices as bridge to recovery or heart transplantation and support patients receiving lung or liver transplants, and can also be involved in obtaining cardiothoracic donor organs for transplantation.

Adult surgical procedures that purfusionists are involved in may include:

• Coronary Artery Bypass
• Aortic Valve Replacements
• Mitral Valve Repair/Mitral Valve Replacement
• Tricuspid Valve Repair
• Aortic Root Replacements
• Atrial Myxomas
• Dissections/Aneurysms/Trauma Of The Aorta (Ascending, Arch & Descending)
• Renal Cell Carcinoma/Obstructive Vena Cava
• Veno-Venous Bypass (eg During Liver Transplants)
• Cardiac/Lung Transplants
• Implants Of Ventricular Assist Device
• ECMO

What does a pediatric perfusionist do? How do I become a perfusionist?
https://youtu.be/LutOMAdpqLY

Working conditions

A perfusionist is allocated to work with a Cardiac Surgeon when patients undergo cardiac surgery. Tertiary hospitals undertaking cardiac surgery employ a team of perfusionists.

Perfusionists work in operating theatres in public and private hospitals. Their main work is performed within a cardiac operating theatre, but they also work in Intensive Care Units, General, Orthopaedic, Vascular and Neurosurgical Operating theatres, Cardiac Catheter Laboratories and Research Laboratories.

Perfusionists typically work in operating rooms in hospitals and surgical centres during heart and lung surgery, but they also work in ICUs. Perfusionists are responsible for monitoring patients both before and after a procedure. Their hours can vary from week to week due to fluctuations in schedules and surgical and medical emergencies.

Some perfusionists choose to work for medical product manufacturing companies, developing the perfusion equipment or working in the marketing and sales divisions of those businesses.

Tools and technologies

Perfusionists operate the heart-lung machine (also called the cardiopulmonary bypass machine)

Education and training/entrance requirements

Entry requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Science or equivalent followed by a structured course in Clinical Perfusion.  

Clinical Perfusion (SCiCP) course consists of 12 standardised modules (including a research project) which serve to ensure that perfusion education and training is delivered in a standard fashion throughout the accredited training hospitals in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. It is completed over a two or three year period via distance education. Entry to the course is restricted to non-certified perfusionists or trainee perfusionists employed by accredited hospitals or private perfusion groups in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Cardiac nurses work under cardiologists and treat patients coping with acute or chronic heart conditions. Those can range from coronary artery disease to congestive heart failure to congenital heart conditions (an abnormality someone is born with).

Acute conditions like heart attacks or cardiac arrest require nurses to respond quickly with a defibrillator to resuscitate a patient’s heart. Cardiac nurses dealing with these scenarios have to be prepared to handle high-stress situations.

For patients with chronic heart conditions, a cardiac nurse helps them by assessing and monitoring their heart activity and providing education about living with the condition.

(Source: St Pauls School of Nursing)

ANZSCO ID: 254415 Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)

Alternative names: Cardiology Nurse,  Cardiovascular nurse, Cardiac Care Nurse,

Specialisations: Cardiac nursing encompasses several specialisations, including working in Coronary Care Units (CCUs) and Acute Cardiac Units, focusing on patient recovery in Cardiac Rehabilitation, and performing procedures in Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories and Electrophysiology (EP) Labs. Nurses also specialise in areas like Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and caring for patients with conditions such as heart transplants or valvular heart disease.

• Clinical Settings:

  • Coronary Care Units (CCUs) and Acute Cardiac Units: Provide care for critically ill patients with severe heart conditions.

  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Focus on patient and family education, promotion of heart health, and recovery after a cardiac event or surgery.

  • Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories: Assist with invasive diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures like angioplasties.

  • Electrophysiology (EP) Labs: Focus on diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart's electrical system, such as arrhythmias.

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery Units: Care for patients recovering from open-heart surgeries.

  • Heart Transplant Units: Specialize in post-transplant care for patients who have received a new heart.

• Patient-Focused Areas

  • Heart Failure Nursing:Care for patients with congestive heart failure, managing symptoms and improving their quality of life.

  • Non-Invasive Cardiology: Involves monitoring and interpreting cardiac tests without invasive procedures, such as ECGs and echocardiograms.

  • Cardiology Palliative Care: Provides support and comfort to patients with advanced cardiac disease and their families.

• Advanced Practice Roles

  • Clinical Nurse Specialist: Can specialise in areas like cardiac critical care or cardiac rehabilitation.

  • Nurse Educator: Focuses on educating patients, families, and other healthcare professionals on cardiac conditions and treatments

(Source: Verywell)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Be able to communicate clearly and effectively with patients and their families to facilitate lifestyle modifications. Strong communication skills are necessary for cardiac nurses, particularly during emergencies, to ensure clear instructions, optimal treatment and help in reassuring a patient. These skills help people in healthcare to adopt a warm, positive and empathetic tone while conversing with patients.

• Physical stamina: Due to the demands of their work environment and the volume of patients in a single shift, cardiac nurses benefit from high endurance levels. They can take short breaks during the day and engage in light physical activities on their days off to prioritise personal well-being.

• Commitment to privacy: The Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988
  legally obligate cardiac nurses to safeguard patients' information and treatment specifics unless the patient grants them consent to disclose. The regulations require cardiac nurses to be cognisant of who has permission to access a patient's medical history, which includes other healthcare providers or nominated medical representatives.

• Empathy: Cardiac nurses empathise with and understand a patient's pain or condition and engage in such actions as comforting family members, welcoming patients with a warm smile and sharing personal experiences to improve the overall quality of patient care. Addressing a patient's emotional well-being enhances satisfaction with care and potentially expedites recovery.

• Sharp critical thinking: Possessing this skill enables nurses to evaluate information and make well-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. It assists nurses in interpreting data, addressing pressing concerns and providing valuable patient and family outcomes.

• Be able to provide postoperative care to cardiac patients

• Be able to maintain a sterile standard in the operating room

• Have adequate background knowledge and experience

• Have the ability to perform and interpret various cardiac and vascular lab tests

(Source: Medely)

Duties and Tasks

Cardiac nurse duties include assessing and monitoring heart patients' vital signs and cardiac rhythms, administering medications, and managing heart conditions like arrhythmias and heart failure. They also perform and assist with diagnostic tests (EKGs, stress tests), educate patients on heart health and lifestyle changes, provide pre- and post-operative care for heart surgeries, and respond to cardiac emergencies.

• Cardiac nurses may manage a heart surgery patient's post-operative care to promote optimal recovery. These healthcare providers may monitor vital signs, administer prescribed medications, assess wound healing and detect any complications early.

• A cardiac nurse may play a role in implementing intervention techniques to stabilise a patient's health condition during a crisis. You may collaborate closely with cardiologists, emergency medical specialists and other healthcare providers to ensure timely and appropriate care. Cardiac nurses may also use intervention methods like rapid assessment and triage and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) techniques to stabilise patients in emergencies.

• Educating patients on cardiovascular diseases: A cardiac nurse may educate patients and their families on managing cardiovascular conditions by offering guidance on topics like medication management, lifestyle modifications and monitoring vital signs. They may emphasise the importance of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, to improve heart health. Through these tailored educational efforts, cardiac nurses can empower patients to take charge of their cardiovascular health, ultimately reducing the risk of complications and improving overall well-being.

• Monitor and assess patients' cardiovascular status continuously

• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by Cardiologists

• Respond promptly to emergency situations, such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest

• Operate and maintain advanced cardiac monitoring equipment

• Provide post-operative care for patients recovering from cardiac surgeries

• Educate patients and their families about heart disease management and prevention

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to plan and implement individualized patient care plans

• Document patient status and care provided accurately and promptly

• Informing patients of preventative measures

• Counselling the patients

• Help diagnose and treat cardiovascular events

• Assist in performing diagnostic tests such as ECGs

• Interact with the patients as well as their families pre and post treatment

• Evaluate and monitor heart related devices such as pacemakers

• Monitor the patient and their vitals, especially cardiovascular readings

• Assessing and interpreting lab results

(Source: Career Staff)

Working conditions

Cardiac nurses can work in a variety of settings, including a hospital intensive care unit, cardiology unit, surgical unit or rehabilitation centres. They could also work in a medical clinic or long-term care facility. But most often, cardiac nurses work in hospitals caring for post-op or ICU patients.

In each of these settings, the tasks may be a little different. For example, in the ICU, cardiac nurses may administer specific medications and use “intracardiac” devices such as a balloon pump or catheter to keep the heart going.

In a cardiology unit, the nurse may be more involved in monitoring rather than acute care, taking vital signs, monitoring a patient’s electrocardiograms and heart activity, and educating them and their family about their heart condition. They may administer medications, perform stress-test evaluations, or help a patient manage post-op pain.

In a surgical setting, the cardiac nurse may prep the patient for surgery and assist them in their recovery after they come out of surgery.

Cardiac nurses could also work in a surgical setting assisting a cardiac surgeon with surgeries like angioplasty (inserting wire mesh tubes called stents) or bypass surgery.

Many cardiac nurses work full time, though part-time and shift work opportunities may also be available depending on the facility. The work environment for cardiac nurses is usually fast-paced and demanding, as they often handle critical patients requiring immediate attention. Their hours are also long and sometimes irregular, involving night shifts, weekends and holidays. The position typically requires strong emotional management, as nurses provide care to patients facing life-threatening conditions and support their families through challenging times.

Tools and technologies

A cardiac nurse may assess a patient's cardiovascular health by conducting a physical examination, measuring vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate and listening to the heart and lungs using a stethoscope. They may interpret diagnostic tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood work results. These assessments allow them to identify any abnormalities or issues, ultimately helping to create an effective treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs.

Cardiac nurses may use tools like blood pressure monitors and telemetry tools to ensure a patient's heart function remains stable. Through post-operative care, patients can smoothly transition to rehabilitation and improve their overall cardiovascular health.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Cardiac nurses first complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree, which usually takes three years. This degree program provides the required foundational knowledge and skills for nursing practice, including essential cardiac care concepts. Upon completion, you can sit for the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia registration exam to become a registered nurse (RN).Once registered as an RN, you may pursue postgraduate education to specialise in cardiac care. You can achieve this by enrolling in a graduate diploma or master's program in cardiac nursing or a related field. These advanced courses, which typically take one or two years to complete, provide in-depth cardiac treatment and care knowledge, equipping you with the expertise to manage complex cases and deliver high-quality patient care.

Cardiac nurses pursue several key certifications to enhance their expertise. The Australian College of Critical Care Nurses provides critical care nursing certification for registered nurses specialising in cardiac care. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council also offers postgraduate courses in cardiac nursing.

Registered or eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Current Driver’s License
Covid 19 Vaccination and Boosters as required

Employment Opportunities

Career growth: There is potential to progress as an advanced practice registered nurse or clinical nurse specialist in specialised areas of cardiovascular care.

You can study further by completing:

Graduate Certificate of Cardiac Nursing
Graduate Diploma of Cardiac Nursing
Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing

Studying this specialisation can lead to a career as a:

• clinical nurse specialist

• clinical nurse consultant,

• nurse unit manager/associate nurse unit manager

• ward educator

• clinical education programs coordinator

• an academic in undergraduate education
  

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Material sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cardiologist];
WebArchive Only - CareersOnline [Cardiac Technologist;]
Career Explorer [Cardiothoracic Surgeon; Perfusionist; ]
Health Careers UK [Cardiology;]
Raising Children [Cardiologist; ]
Jobs WA [Paediatric Cardiologist; ]
Health Careers UK [Paediatric Cardiology; ]
Queensland Health [Cardiology Qld Childrens Hospital; ]
UCLA [Pediatric Cardiologist; ]
WCH SA [Cardiologist; ]
Global Health [Cardiologist; ]
Indeed [Cardiologist; Careers in Cardiology; ]
American Heart Association Journal [Cardiac Nursing; ]
Medely [Cardiac Nurse; ]
St Pauls School of Nursing [Cardiac Nurse; ]
Sigma Nursing [Cardiac Nurse; ]
Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusionists [What is a Perfusionist;]
  Your Career [Cardiologist; Cardiothoracic Surgeon; ]