The Cardiac Sciences Program employees and physicians represent in total, about 800 years of service / experience. Are you looking to become part of our multidisciplinary team? Learn more about the varied opportunities we offer by checking out each area below:
Cardiovascular nurses in advanced nursing roles such as Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists in the Cardiac Sciences Program play a pivotal role in providing safe, evidence-based and client-centered care to patients with compromised cardiovascular health, as well as promoting cardiovascular health of the community. They assist other nurses and care providers to work to their full scopes of practice.
WHO ARE WE?
There are two advanced nursing roles within the Cardiac Sciences Program: Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Pracitioner.
Clinical Nurse Specialist:
CNSs are registered nurses with graduate education at a master or doctoral level. The CNS functions both independently and in collaboration with other team members to impact patient outcomes. The CNS role is dynamic and responsive to the diverse needs of clients, clinical practice nurses and the health care system.
Nurse Practitioner:
NPs are registered nurses with graduate education at a master or doctoral level. Cardiac NPs are able to perform complete physical examination and to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries. They order and manage test results and prescribe medications independently. They collaborate with other health professionals to optimize client’s health.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Leadership
- National and regional committee involvement
- Mentoring staff and students
Education
- Bedside and group patient and family education
- Interprofessional education
Direct Care
- In-patient consultation
- NP run clinics (out patient)
Research
- Integrating evidence-informed practice into patient care
Support of System
- Supporting development of strategic program planning, evaluation and capacity building
WHY CHOOSE CARDIAC ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING?
- Nurses in the ANP roles play a pivotal role in the provision of safe, effective and evidence-based care in cardiac clients.
- Nurses in the ANP roles are able to work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to provide client-focussed care.
- ANP Nurses coach other cardiovascular nurses to help maximize nurses’ skills and abilities.
- ANP Nurses are able to bridge the gap in service delivery for patients.
- ANP Nurses have diverse approaches to health and illness management of cardiovascular clients.
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Opportunities to attend and present at local, national and international conferences.
- Research opportunities within SBH and the Cardiac Sciences Program both as a primary researcher or as a collaborator.
- Cardiac ANP Nurses are well sought out by national and local committees to participate in preparing local and national practice guidelines in cardiovascular care.
- ANP Nurses may be eligible to have a nil-salaried appointment with the University of Manitoba.
Cardiovascular Perfusionists are specially trained health care professionals responsible for the safe operation of the heart-lung machine when patients are undergoing open heart surgery. As part of the cardiac surgery team, the Perfusionist works closely with the Cardiac Surgeon, Anaesthetist and nurses. Additionally, Perfusionists are involved when patients require short or long term circulatory support devices in Intensive Care or in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
WHAT IS CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSION?
Cardiovascular Perfusion is a profession primarily focused on mechanically supporting the normal functions of the heart and lungs, allowing the heart to be stopped during open heart surgery.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Cardiovascular perfusionists are important members of the open-heart surgical team whose primary role is to conduct cardiopulmonary bypass using a heart-lung machine and other equipment. They closely monitor the patient’s blood flow and other vital signs during open heart surgery and are also responsible for administering intravenous fluids, blood products and anesthetic drugs. Perfusionists are also experts of other cardiac life support equipment such as ventricular assist devices and intraortic balloon pumps.
WHY BECOME A CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSIONIST?
Job satisfaction – being able to work independently contributes to high levels of job satisfaction among Cardiovascular Perfusionists.
Unique career opportunities – Cardiovascular Perfusionists are integral members of open heart surgical teams. Previous critical care experiences and skills are used in a new and exciting way – taking it to the next level.
TRAINING FOR A CAREER IN CARDIOVASCULAR PERFUSION
Cardiovascular Perfusionists must complete a specialized training program and pass the certification examination set by the Canadian Society of Clinical Perfusion. There are two English language training programs in Canada: Michener Institute of Applied Health Sciences (Toronto, ON) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (Burnaby, BC). These training programs range in length from 16 months to two years, and include significant practical training doing clinical rotations.
In order to enter one of the cardiovascular perfusion training programs, an individual must have already earned a bachelor’s degree (typically in science). Often, nurses or respiratory therapists pursue a further career in cardiovascular perfusion.
Nurses who work as coordinators in the Access Office manage the waitlists and schedule patients for cardiac surgery and for cardiac catheterization. They work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide safe and timely access for cardiac patients.
WHO WE ARE
The Cardiac Sciences Access Office consists of nurses who specialize in coordinating and triaging both inpatients and outpatients for cardiac procedures such as cardiac surgery, coronary angiograms and TAVI procedures.
WHAT WE DO
- Collaborate with all members of the cardiac team to ensure timely access to procedural care for cardiac patients.
- Track and monitor patient progress while awaiting cardiac procedures to ensure well-being and safety are maintained.
- Provide ongoing education to patients.
- Interpret an array of laboratory and diagnostic tests, referring to physicians as required.
- Create and coordinate various slates for cardiac procedures.
WHY CHOOSE THE CARDIAC SCIENCES ACCESS OFFICE?
- Collaborate with all members of the cardiac team to ensure timely access to procedural care for cardiac patients.
- Ensure patient satisfaction and sense of well-being is maintained while they await their procedure.
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences, with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA/SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
Our Outpatient Cardiac Clinics are multidisciplinary, patient-centered clinics located in both the Bergen Cardiac Center and I.H. Asper Institute. We are a collaborative team consisting of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses and clerical support. Our clinics include many areas of specialty including Cardiac Surgery (pre-operative assessment and post-discharge care), Heart Failure, Lipid Clinic, Anticoagulation, Cardiac Pre-procedure preparation and General Cardiology.
WHO WE ARE
The Ambulatory Cardiac Clinics located in both the Bergen Cardiac Center and Asper Center, St Boniface Hospital campus, strive to provide the best care possible using evidence-based treatments and education to people with heart conditions to optimize their heart health and improve the quality of their life.
Interdisciplinary care is an integral part of the service we provide to our patients. The core group is made up of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Practice Nurses and Unit Assistants. We work collaboratively with Social Work, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Home Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation facilities, the Palliative Care Program and Primary Care Providers to provide the best patient care possible.
WHAT WE DO
- Assess and educate prior to Coronary Angiogram / Angioplasty
- Care of Pre and Post Heart Transplant and Ventricular Assist Device patients
- Management and education of Heart Failure patients
- Assess, educate and coordinate patients before Electrophysiology procedures
- Treat and educate patients with abnormal Lipids
- Assess and educate patients prior to Open Heart Surgery (OHS)
- Monitor patients during post-op OHS phase via clinic visits / TelAsk
- Physician-run General Cardiology Clinics and combined nursing support
- Monitor and educate patients on anticoagulant therapy
WHY CHOOSE CARDIAC CLINICS?
The Cardiac Clinics encompass several different specialty areas, each with their own unique and rewarding challenges. Teamwork is the essence in providing high quality care and education for the Cardiac Client. As cardiac care is always evolving, Clinic employees are encouraged to continue their learning by attending workshops and conferences. Staff feedback, ideas and contributions are greatly valued in the Cardiac Clinics.
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!
Patients who have an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) require electrophysiology investigations to test the electrical activity of the heart. Such patients may need medication, or a specialized procedure to implant a pacemaker or ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), cardiac ablation or cardiac surgery. Highly trained physicians and nurses work in the Cardiac Special Procedures area.
WHO WE ARE
- We are the only cardiac device implant facility and adult Electrophysiology lab in Manitoba.
- There are two Procedure Rooms located on the second floor of the Bergen Centre.
- Our highly trained physicians and ICU trained nurses perform approximately 300 EP procedures / ablations, 700-800 pacemaker insertions and 400 ICD / CRT-D insertions per year.
WHAT WE DO
- We implant cardiac devices such as pacemakers, ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators), CRTs (biventricular pacemakers / defibrillators) and Loop Recorders.
- We perform Cardiac Electrophysiology studies on patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. We also work with the pediatric team from the Health Sciences Centre to perform pediatric EP procedures.
- We perform ablations to inhibit cardiac arrhythmias.
WHY CHOOSE NURSING IN THE CARDIAC DEVICE IMPLANT ROOM / ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY LAB?
- We are a highly specialized and rapidly growing area of Cardiac Sciences.
- We have a wide variety of cardiac patients.
- Great teamwork in a supportive learning environment.
- We have an environment that allows nurses to maintain their ICU skills and master new skills.
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
Located on the 4th floor of the I.H. Asper Institute, the CSUI is a 33 bed telemetry monitored inpatient unit that cares primarily for patients after their intensive care stay following heart surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair and ventricular assist device implantation.
WHO WE ARE
The Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit (CSIU) is located on the 4th floor of the IH Asper Institute. We are a 33 bed inpatient unit that cares primarily for cardiac patients following their heart surgery. All patients are cardiac monitored by telemetry.
We are a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Cardiac Surgeons, Clinical Physician Assistants, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Clinical Dieticians, Spiritual Care, Health Care Aides, Ward Clerks and more.
Newly hired nurses must complete an Advanced Assessment Course after several months of employment that enable them to analyze rhythms and increases their knowledge base, assessment and critical thinking skills in regards to the cardiac patient.
WHAT WE DO
- Post-op care of patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, ventricular assist device implantation
- Continuous cardiac telemetry monitoring
- Temporary cardiac pacing utilizing epicardial pacing wires
- Care of, removal of and assisting with insertion of chest tubes
- Ventricular assist devices
- Patient teaching and rehabilitation
- Recognition and treatment of post-op complications
WHY CHOOSE THE CARDIAC SURGERY INPATIENT UNIT?
- Develop skills and proficiency with post-operative care, wounds and dressings. Increase your critical thinking and assessment skills in regards to cardiac patients with multiple medical and surgical co-morbidities that encompass all systems including diabetes, heart failure, renal failure and neurological complications.
- Learn to analyze heart rhythms and temporarily pace patients. Be on the cutting edge as new cardiac procedures and surgeries that address the needs of Manitobans are developed and implemented at St Boniface Hospital.
- Become an integral member of a strong and supportive team.
- Your experiences here prepare you for future advancements and education such as working in the Intensive Care Unit, Heart Catheterization Lab or one of the many clinics with the Cardiac Sciences Program.
- Grad nurses are welcome!
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance. wrha.mb.ca/education
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
Cardiac patients who need to be in hospital, but who haven’t had surgery, will be cared for on A5, the Cardiology Inpatient Unit, or if they are very sick, on ACCU, the Acute Cardiac Care Unit. The teams who look after these patients include Cardiologists, Cardiovascular Nurses, allied health professionals (such as Physiotherapists, Respiratory Therapists, etc.) and health care aides. Nurses working in ACCU must have passed the Winnipeg Critical Care Nursing Education Program (WCCNEP) course.
WHO WE ARE
The Cardiology Inpatient Unit is located on the 5th floor of St Boniface Hospital and occupies the south and west wings. We are 46 beds that are comprised of 30 Inpatient Cardiology, 6 Coronary Care Unit and 10 Outpatient Procedure Recovery beds.
We are an interdisciplinary team of Cardiologists, Cardiology Fellows and Residents, Nurses, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Spiritual Care, Dieticians, Social Work, Health Care Aides, Ward Clerks, Housekeeping and more.
Our singular focus on Cardiac patients allows our Nurses to develop expertise in caring for patients with heart disease. Nurses are an integral and essential part of our interdisciplinary team and actively work to advance patient care through the best diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
WHAT WE DO
Some of the Unit activities include:
- Cardiac telemetry monitoring
- Cardiac procedure care (Stress and Nuclear Imaging tests, Angiograms)
- Cardiac Special Procedures care, such as using stents and balloons to repair damaged heart structures
- Care of cardiac device implants
- Pre-op heart surgery care
- Care of heart failure, arrhythmia and heart attack patients
- Pre-heart transplant workups
- Post-heart transplant care
WHY CARDIOLOGY NURSING?
- Diversity: There’s something new every day
- Teamwork: You become a valuable team member. You work with a strong and supportive team.
- Challenge: Critical thinking and clinical skills are challenged every time you come to work.
- Educational Opportunities: Education is key – we have extensive orientation to ensure nurses have sufficient training to allow them to make a smooth transition to the Program. Ongoing educational opportunities such as Advanced Assessment and Nursing Grand Rounds are offered regularly. We have Education Days to keep you abreast of changes and up to date with the latest information.
We look forward to having you on our team!
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous local and national cardiac conferences that nurses are encouraged to attend and financial support is available on a rotating basis. Perhaps you might even want to be a presenter at some point. Opportunities and ongoing support for you to attain your CNA certification in Cardiac Care are offered as well.
The experience in Cardiology will lay the foundation for your nursing career in Cardiac Nursing. As a nurse on Cardiology, you will gain a wide base of knowledge that will open doors for you to further advance your career in Cardiac Sciences. Many nurses move on to Critical Care and work in the ICUs. Or you may choose to become a member of the Heart Cath Lab or one of the many Cardiac Clinics. You may want to become an Educator, Advanced Practice Nurse or perhaps a Manager. There are endless possibilities within the Program itself.
Clinical and Physician Assistants function as physician extenders within the Cardiac Sciences Program and act as in-house medical staff providing expert, high-level care to cardiac patients. CAs and PAs work alongside Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists to assess, diagnose and prescribe treatment. These careers offer a very fulfilling role within the health care system.
WHO ARE WE?
Clinical Assistants and Physician Assistants in the Cardiac Sciences Program act as in-house medical staff providing care in a dynamic and challenging work environment. CAs and PAs can diagnose, obtain medical history, perform physician examinations, order and interpret diagnostic studies, provide therapeutic procedures, prescribe medications and educate and counsel patients. With additional training, CAs or PAs in the Cardiac Sciences Program may also assist in the operating room.
WHAT DO WE DO?
- We work with cardiac surgeons and cardiologists to assess, diagnose and prescribe treatment, providing expert, high-level care to cardiac patients.
- The Clinical and Physician Assistants (CA / PAs) provide care for pre and post cardiac surgery and cardiology patients, 365 days per year, 24 hours a day working on the inpatient units. Some also work in the operating room.
- We are members of the health care team and augment the team approach.
WHY CHOOSE THE CLINICAL AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT ROLE?
- This career is highly skilled with specialized learning and opportunities abound.
- As a CA or PA you help guide each individual patient to attain positive outcomes during their hospital stay in a supportive environment.
- Working as a Clinical or Physician Assistant with the Cardiac Sciences Program is a very fulfilling role with the health care system.
TRAINING FOR A CAREER AS A CA OR PA
In Manitoba, Clinical Assistants may have a degree in medicine (e.g., from a medical school overseas), or be licensed or registered to provide health care under an Act of the Manitoba Legislature, or be certified as an Emergency Medical Attendant Level III, or be a graduate of an accredited physician assistant or clinical assistant training program. Clinical assistants must successfully complete an assessment specified by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
A Physician Assistant is a medically educated clnician who practices under the supervision of a physician. In Manitoba, Physician Assistants must complete a two year postgraduate degree (Master of Physician Assistant Studies or MPAS) in the College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
Both CAs and PAs must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba in order to practice.
The Cardiac Sciences Program has five Continuing Education Instructors (CEIs), nurses who act as a clinical education resource for nursing unit personnel and ensure that the clinical education needs of members of the patient care team are met. Each has their own primary area of responsibility within the Program but also work together as a team. Teaching responsibilities also extend to hospital wide initiatives (e.g., orientation, BLS, ACLS) and a variety of other initiatives, meetings and committees.
An echocardiogram (or cardiac sonogram) is a diagnostic ultrasound that evaluates the structure and function of the heart. Echocardiograms help the healthcare team make decisions regarding the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with any suspected or known heart disease. The echo team is comprised of Cardiac Sonographers (or Echosonographers), Cardiologists, Nurses and support staff. We provide diagnostic testing to over 200 patients a week.
WHO WE ARE
Cardiac Sonographers conduct echocardiograms, also known as “echos” or cardiac sonograms. These are diagnostic ultrasounds that evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Echocardiograms help the healthcare team make decisions regarding the diagnosis, management and treatment of patients with suspected or known heart disease.
Cardiac sonorgraphers, also known as echocardiography technologists, are ultrasound technologists with a specialty in cardiac ultrasound. They are trained in ultrasound and Doppler techniques that monitor and evaluate heart size and function as well as blood flow and pressures within the heart.
WHAT DO WE DO
The Echocardiography Department provides a variety of different tests to help diagnose, evaluate and monitor heart disease which includes:
- Transthoracic Echo (TTE)
- Transesophageal Echo (TEE)
- Stress Echo (Dobutamine and Exercise)
- Definity Contrast Echo
- Saline Contrast Echo
- 3D / 4D Ultrasound
We monitor patients with:
- Heart Failure and post-heart transplant
- Congenital Heart Disease patients
- Heart Murmurs and Valve / Aortic Disease
- Arrhythmias
- Research studies
WHY CHOOSE ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY?
- Cardiac sonography or echocardiography is an exciting and progressive area within cardiac sciences. As technology changes, so does our ability to more accurately monitor our patients. The Echocardiography department at St Boniface Hospital uses state of the art technology and is one of the busiest in Canada.
- The Echo team includes cardiologists, surgeons, nurses and support staff in addition to cardiac sonographers. Our team is encouraged and supported in their continuing education with echo rounds, hospital education sessions and conferences. Staff also have the chance to participates in leading edge research done by the Cardiovascular Health Research in Manitoba group and the St Boniface Hospital Albrechtson Research Facility.
- If you would like to be a part of a dynamic team, use cutting edge technology and assist with the critical diagnosis of heart disease, then cardiac sonography is the career for you!
TRAINING FOR A CAREER AS A CARDIAC SONOGRAPHER
There is one training program in Manitoba for diagnostic cardiac sonography, at Red River College. There are also training programs elsewhere in Canada that Manitobans can attend, including in Ontario, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The training programs in some provinces require that you be a resident of that province (e.g., British Columbia, Alberta). Pre-requisites for the training programs differ; in Manitoba, applicants must have already earned one degree / diploma (e.g., diploma in Medical Radiological Technology or Massage Therapy, or a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation).
Once training is completed, cardiac sonographers must pass two national certification examinations: the Core Sonographic Examination and the Cardiac Sonographer Examination.
Patients who may have narrowing of the arteries or other cardiac abnormalities may need cardiac catheterization. With diagnostic imaging equipment, the Cardiologists and Cath Lab Nurses who work here can visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart and in many cases, treat the problems found. These professionals know that every single day they make a difference in someone’s life. They mend broken hearts.
WHO WE ARE
- Highly motivated
- Diverse
- Focused
- Fast paced
- ICU educated
- Team oriented
- Dynamic
WHAT WE DO
- Stop heart attacks
- Save lives
- Educate patients and families
- Angiograms and angioplasties
- Transfemoral aortic valve implementation
- Chronic Total occlusion
- Special procedures
- Research
WHY CHOOSE THE CATH LAB?
- Challenging
- Rewarding
- Exciting
- Active learning opportunities
- Cutting edge technology
- Conferences
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.>
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery is a 14 bed unit specializing in caring for patients immediately after cardiac surgery, We are located in a state of the art facility on CR5 in the I.H. Asper Institute. Nurses working in ICCS must have passed the Winnipeg Critical Care Nursing Education Program (WCCNEP) course.
WHO WE ARE
Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery is a 14 bed specialized cardiac surgical intensive care unit located on the banks of the Red River. We can be found in the recently constructed CR5 in the Asper Clinical Research Institute. We specialize in Cardiac Surgery, Thoracoabdominal Procedures and Mechanical Circulatory Support.
Our team is comprised of Cardiac Surgeons, Intensivists, Cardiac Anesthetists, Residents and Fellows, a Clinical Resource Nurse and frontline Nursing staff, Health Care Aides, Ward Clerk, Clinical Educator, Respiratory Therapist, Dietician and Pharmacy.
We have a dedicated Physiotherapist and an on-site satellite Pharmacy. We also have members from Spiritual Care, Occupational Therapy and Aboriginal Services dedicated to creating a cohesive plan of care for our patients.
WHAT WE DO
- Admitting Cardiac Surgery patients from the OR, including CABG, Valve, Aortic Aneurysm Replacements, Thoracoabdominal Procedures and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
- Care for surgically managed Heart Failure patients – including Intra Aortic Balloon Pumps, Impella, Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
- Care of arrhythmias, heart failure, aortic dissections, cardiogenic shock, sepsis, myocardial infarction, renal failure, acute stroke, multi-organ failure and palliative care.
- Specialized skills may include epicardial pacemakers, continuous renal replacement therapy, lumbar drains and cardiac surgery advanced life support.
WHY CHOOSE ICCS NURSING?
- Teamwork: Nurses are an integral part of our patient care team. Your care and assessment skills guide the clinical plan and shape patient outcomes. All members of ICCS work together to develop targeted and safe patient care.
- Communication: ICCS have become pioneers in communication. We have implemented “Time Outs” that occur around patient transition from the OR and transferring to CSIU. We host Daily Rounds in which a detailed system report is given by the RN and a daily plan of care formulated.
- Challenge: Do you enjoy a challenge? ICCS is the place for you! We have a broad range of acuity and specialized equipment. Your critical thinking will be developed and you will continuously learn new skills and be exposed to new experiences.
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
wrha.mb.ca/education
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
Our Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostics (NICD) Department is a team of Cardiology Technologists that perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), Stress Testing, Holter Monitoring and other non-invasive cardiac tests to aid in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of heart disease. We often travel throughout the hospital to provide bedside heart testing to help diagnose cardiac abnormalities.
WHO WE ARE
Cardiology Technologists perform many different types of heart testing on a wide range of patients. We are valued members of the health care team, often taking our diagnostic equipment to all areas of the hospital. We work in the Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostic (NICD) area of the Cardiac Sciences Program
WHAT DO WE DO?
Cardiology Technologists perform cardiac testing using specialized equipment to evaulate heart function. We conduct the tests and do an initial evaluation or the results, which are then interpreted by the cardiologist. The types of tests we may perform include:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): records the electrical activity of a heart at rest
- Stress Test: records the heart’s response to actual or simulated exercise
- Ambulatory Monitoring (Holter Monitoring): records the heart’s activity during an extended timeframe (24 to 72 hours)
WHY BECOME A CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST?
- Join us to become a valuable part of a growing dynamic diagnostic team! We work as members of interdisciplinary teams across the hospital, providing services to inpatients and outpatients, from newborns to geriatrics.
- Entry level positions include areas such as EKG, where we offer services in cardiology clinics, in the emergency department and in intensive care units. As you gain expertise and experience, there are expanded opportunities to work in specialized areas such as labs or office environments.
- Employment can be flexible, with full-time, part-time and casual positions available.
TRAINING FOR A CAREER AS A CARDIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
Cardiology technologists must complete a training program ranging from one to two years in duration. There are five training programs in Canada:
- British Columbia Institue of Technology (Burnaby, BC)
- Mohawk College of Applied Art & Technology (Hamilton, ON)
- Stenberg College (Surrey, BC)
- College Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (Campbellton, NB, en francais)
- Vancouver Island Institute of Medical Technology (Victoria, BC)
In general, applicants to any of the training programs must have a high school diploma, with required courses in math and science (physics, biology, chemistry).
Once training is completed, cardiology technologists must take a national certification examination and become registered with the Manitoba and Canadian Association of Cardiology Technologists.
The Pacemaker Clinic is a nurse-run clinic. We provide follow-up care for patients who have a pacemaker, implanted cardioverter defibrillator or a cardiac resynchronization device. We assess not only the patient, but the device and how well it is working. These assessments occur periodically and information about the device can even be transmitted to us from the patient’s home.
WHO WE ARE
- Nurse-run clinic with support from Cardiologists from the Arrhythmia Service
- Medical Director: Dr. Colette Seifer
- Clinic Coordinator: Esther McGimpsey RN
- Nurse III requirement
- 6 full time Nurses
- 3 part time Nurses
- 5 Cardiologists / Electrophysiologists
- 4 Unit Clerks
CLINIC DEMOGRAPHICS
Our patient population consists of individuals with implantable cardiac devices that include permanent pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization pacemakers / defibrillators.
- 4,500 pacemaker patients
- 1,500 ICD / CRT-D patients
- Population served: Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut
A TYPICAL DAY INCLUDES:
- Approximately 30 – 60 patients per day receive service, distributed throughout staff.
Workload includes:
- Scheduled in clinic device follow-ups, remote transmissions, requests for device interrogation by ER, the OR and other departments
- A variety of patients with PPM / ICD / CRT-D and Implantable Loop Recorders from all manufacturers throughout the day are seen and assessed.
Patient assessment includes
- Device interrogation and review of device settings
- Evaluation of device and lead function including battery longevity estimates
- Targeted cardiac assessment of patient signs and symptoms and medication review
- Assessment of cardiac rhythm, device pace/sense characteristics and extended diagnostics
- Device programming as required
- Identification, documentation and reporting of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure diagnostics, significant findings and data to the appropriate Family Physicians / Cardiologists / Specialists
- Pre-operative assessment / teaching for patients receiving PPM / ICD / CRTD / ILR devices which includes a review of the procedure by a Nurse, seeing a video, having blood work and EKG completed
- Post-op device interrogation, programming and discharge teaching
- Appropriate documentation in a variety of souces including the hospital chart, EPR and PaceArt
- Reviewing issues with the Clinic Coordinator and Cardiologists
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Registered Nurse
- Post basic Critical Care Course or equivalent
- Critical Care Nursing experience
- Excellent assessment skills
- Understanding of cardiac and paced rhythms
- Works and collaborates well with others and members of the health care team
- Works independently
- Excellent communication skills, problem solving and decision making abilities
- Assumes responsibilitiy for professional development
- Desires a challenge
ADDITIONAL ROLES
- Resource for medical facilities within the Region
- Resource for pre-op, peri-operative and post-op device management
- Evidence based research
- End of Life / Palliative Care relating to device management
- Psychosocial support for patients and family dealing with issues related to cardiac disease and device complications
- Management of device complications
- Educators to Departments / Programs within the Region
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous opportunities for professionals in all disciplines to attend and present at local, national and international conferences with financial support available.
All staff are encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered through the WRHA / SBH to help improve both work and personal skills. Available courses include various staff development and computer classes in addition to many EAP workshops geared to help staff maintain a healthy work / life balance.
The Cardiac Sciences Program offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, change and development as your career evolves. Choose a career with us, you won’t regret it!.
We are a 19 bed unit providing short term care for patients before and after cardiac procedures, including patients who require coronary angiograms, angioplasities and specialized procedures.
WHO WE ARE
- We are a 19 bed, Day Procedure Unit providing pre and post cardiac procedure care for elective and emergent patients in Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.
- The Pre and Post area is located on the second floor of the Bergen Center.
- Nurses who work in Pre and Post require ICU training to care for a large population of critically ill patients.
WHAT WE DO
We admit, prep and recover patients for scheduled and emergent cardiac procedures: coronary angiograms and angioplasties, pacemaker and ICD implants, electrophysiology testing and arrhythmia ablation, and structural procedures such as TAVI, PFO and ASD repair and PBMV.
The Pre and Post Nurses assist with TEE, Cardioversion and Pharmacologic Stress Echos.
WHY CHOOSE NURSING IN Y2 PRE AND POST?
- Wide variety of cardiac patients
- Exciting, challenging, fast-paced environment
- Great team work in a supportive learning environment
- An environment that allows Nurses to maintain their ICU skills and master new skills.
CONFERENCE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous local and national cardiac conferences that nurses are encouraged to attend and financial support is available on a rotating basis. Perhaps you might even want to be a presenter at some point. Opportunities and ongoing support for you to attain your CNA certification in Cardiac Care are offered as well.
The experience in Cardiology will lay the foundation for your nursing career in Cardiac Nursing. As a Nurse on Cardiology, you will gain a wide base of knowledge that will open doors for you to further advance your career in Cardiac Sciences. Many Nurses move on to Critical Care and work in the ICUs. Or you may choose to become a member of the Heart Catheterization Lab or one of the many Cardiac Clinics. You may want to become an Educator, Advanced Practice Nurse or perhaps a Manager. There are endless possibilities within the Program itself.
