How to Become a Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse
Cardiovascular operating room nurses assist in the operating room during open heart surgery. The steps to become a cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which they can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a CVOR nurse, and where to start.
Become a Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse in 5 Steps
To become a cardiovascular operating room nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Apply for Cardiovascular Operating Room Nursing Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for cardiovascular operating room nursing jobs in the state of their licensure, and many employers are happy to hire new graduates.
5
Earn Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, CVOR nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Competency & Credentialing Institute. While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurses
Cardiovascular operating room nurses must be registered nurses, a title earned by graduating with an ADN or a BSN degree.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Cardiovascular operating room nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future cardiovascular operating room nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares aspiring CVOR nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Cardiovascular operating room nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some cardiovascular operating room nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, CVOR nurses may choose to pursue specialty certification through the Competency & Credentialing Institute, which offers the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) designation.
Where Do Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurses Work?
Cardiovascular operating room nurses primarily work in hospital operating suites since their work requires a high level of care. Occasionally, CVOR nurses may transfer to cardiac intensive care units or work in outpatient surgery, assisting with more minor procedures.
FAQs: How to Become a Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse?
Cardiovascular operating room nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
2. How many years does it take to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse?
The time it takes to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a cardiovascular operating room nurse?
To become a cardiovascular operating room nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to cardiovascular operating room nurse positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do cardiovascular operating room nurses make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cardiovascular operating room nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually.
