Pros and Cons of Being a CVOR Nurse + Steps to Become + Salary


Written By: Jennifer SchletteJennifer Schlette MSN, RN

Jennifer Schlette is a registered nurse in pediatric critical care in New York City. She is the former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a college located in New York. After obtaining her BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, she went on to complete her MSN. Jennifer also freelances as a fact-checker for a mother’s advice publication. Read Full Bio »»
MSN, RN


CVOR nurses are a special breed. They have exceptional skills and knowledge, but they also face unique challenges. CVOR nurses are some of the most highly sought after in the nursing field. CVOR nurses are revered as having a wealth of knowledge and experience that is crucial in the cardiovascular operating room. But like with any career, there are pros and cons to being a CVOR nurse. Being a CVOR nurse is definitely not for everyone. Still, it can be a gratifying career if you have what it takes.

Below you will find the top 10 pros and cons of being a CVOR nurse. After reading these pros and cons, you should be able to determine if this is the right career path for you. So read on to learn what are the pros and cons of being a CVOR nurse?


What Does a CVOR Nurse Do?


So, I bet you are wondering, what does a CVOR nurse do? CVOR nurses work in the cardiac surgery department of a healthcare institution. They provide care for patients before, during and after they undergo cardiovascular surgery. This includes preoperative assessment, preparing the patient for surgery, intraoperative care, and postoperative care. CVOR nurses also work closely with the surgeons to ensure that the surgical procedure is performed safely and efficiently.

CVOR nurses must be highly skilled and knowledgeable in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. They must have a thorough understanding of cardiovascular surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, and the equipment and techniques used during the procedures. In addition, CVOR nurses must be able to effectively communicate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team.

Some CVOR nurses choose to specialize in a particular area of care. For example, you may choose to specialize in pediatric CVOR nursing or adult CVOR nursing. You may also choose to specialize in a specific type of surgery, such as open-heart surgery or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. No matter what specialty you choose, you will be responsible for providing care to patients before, during, and after their surgery.

(The CVOR nurse is the "eyes and ears" of a surgical facility, ensuring that everything runs smoothly during an operation. From monitoring vital signs to assisting with dressings - this professional never leaves their patients' sides! They will also ensure all the proper equipment is present and sterile for use.)


Where Does a CVOR Nurse Work?


As a CVOR nurse, you can work in various environments throughout the healthcare setting. The most common places you will find CVOR nurses working are in hospitals and surgical centers. You may also work in physicians' offices, ambulatory care centers, and even some research facilities. No matter where you choose to work, you will be responsible for providing care to patients who are undergoing cardiac or vascular surgery.


What are the Typical Working Hours of a CVOR Nurse?


When you are deciding on becoming a CVOR nurse, it is essential to know what the typical working hours are. This type of nurse generally works in a hospital setting, and their hours will vary depending on the hospital's needs. Some CVOR nurses work in shifts, while others may have a set schedule. If you work in shifts, your hours will be determined by the hospital's needs. You may be required to work 8 or 12-hour shifts.

In some cases, you may be required to work nights or weekends. There are, however, times when you may need to be on-call if an emergency arises. However, most CVOR nurses work Monday through Friday during regular business hours when they work in the outpatient setting.


What are the Most Important Skills Required to Work as a CVOR Nurse?


If you are thinking about becoming a CVOR nurse, it is essential to assess if you possess the proper skills to do the job. These skills will include the ability to work well under pressure: This is probably the most critical skill as a CVOR nurse since you will be working in high-pressure situations where lives are on the line. You need to be able to think quickly and make decisions that could mean the difference between life and death.

You must be a good team player. This is another crucial skill you will need since you will be working with a team of other nurses and medical professionals. It is essential to be able to work well with others and take direction when necessary.

You must also know and understand the equipment in the cardiovascular operating room. This is critical since you will be working with some very sophisticated and expensive equipment. If you do not know how to use the equipment properly, it could result in severe injury or even death.

You must also have excellent communication skills. This is important because you will be communicating with patients, their families, and other medical professionals. This is important because you will need to be able to communicate clearly with your team as well as the patients. This also extends to the patients themselves, who will be depending on you for their care.

You must also have excellent organizational skills. As a CVOR nurse, you will be responsible for keeping track of a lot of different equipment and making sure that it is all sterilized and ready to go. Cardiovascular Surgeries can be very chaotic, and it will be up to you to make sure that everything is in its place.

Finally, you must have a strong stomach. Many of the procedures that you will see as a CVOR nurse can be pretty graphic. If you are not comfortable with blood and guts, this may not be your job.


How Much Does a CVOR Nurse Make?


As a CVOR nurse, you can expect to make a pretty good living. The average CVOR nurse salary is $98,078 a year. This will break down to $47.15 an hour or $8,170 a month. As with most careers in nursing, your salary will increase with your years of experience.

An entry-level hourly wage for a CVOR nurse is $32.45. This means you will be earning $5,620 a month or $67,490 a year. Once you have gained some experience anywhere from one to four years, your hourly rate will increase to $35.32 an hour or $6,120 a month. This will be $73,470 a year. A CVOR nurse that has been working anywhere from five to nine years will earn an annual salary of $89,490. The monthly earnings for that yearly salary will be $7,460 or $43.02 an hour.

Those CVOR nurses with ten to nineteen years of experience will typically earn an hourly salary of $53.56, which is $9,280 a month. This means annually, you will be earning $111,400 a year. Once you have reached twenty years of experience, your hourly rate will be $68.55 or a monthly salary of $11,880. This means your annual earnings will be $142,580.

Level of Experience Hourly Monthly Annual
Entry-Level $32.45 $5,620 $67,490
1-4 Years of Experience $35.32 $6,120 $73,470
5-9 Years of Experience $43.02 $7,460 $89,490
10-19 Years of Experience $53.56 $9,280 $111,400
20 Years or More Experience $68.55 $11,880 $142,580
Average Salary $47.15 $8,170 $98,078


Is There a Demand for CVOR Nurses?


There is an excellent demand for CVOR nurses, especially in larger hospitals. CVOR nursing is a very specialized field, and there are not as many nurses trained in this area as there are in other areas of nursing. This means that CVOR nurses are in high demand and can often command higher salaries than other types of nurses, depending on your location.

One reason CVOR nurses are in such high demand is that the surgical procedures they assist with are very complex and require a high level of skill. These procedures often involve life-saving techniques, so the nurses assisting in these surgeries must have the proper training and experience.

Another reason that CVOR nurses are in such high demand is because the number of cardiovascular surgeries is on the rise. As medical technology advances, more and more surgeries are being performed using minimally invasive techniques. This means that more patients are requiring the skills of a CVOR nurse during their surgery.

Finally, CVOR nurses are in such high demand because they often have a unique skill set that is not easily replicated. These nurses are usually highly trained and experienced in both surgical and nursing procedures. This combination of skills makes them invaluable to the medical team and the patients they serve.


8 Steps to Becoming a CVOR Nurse


1. The first step to becoming a CVOR nurse is earning your nursing degree. You can choose between an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor's degree in nursing. Please keep in mind that many institutions will prefer the bachelor’s prepared candidate over the candidate with an associate degree in nursing.

2. What is the next step after getting a nursing degree? To pass an exam. The National Certification License Examination or NCLEX is what you need to be able to work as a nurse, so it is essential not just for yourself but also for your patients!

3. Next, you will need to apply for your state license where you plan to practice.

4. You will then need to earn your Basic Life Support Certificate (BLS).

5. You may then want to consider earning your CNOR certification. Many jobs will require or at least prefer for you to have achieved this certification.

6. Other certifications that you may be required to obtain will be based on where you work are advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS).

7. Next, you will need to obtain hands-on experience in critical care, recovery unit, cardiovascular treatment unit, and/or operating room procedures. Usually, anywhere from one to two years is preferred.

8. Finally, you can apply for jobs as a CVOR nurse.



Top Cons of Being a CVOR Nurse

(The following are the top 10 disadvantages of being a CVOR Nurse.)


1. You will need to earn a bachelor’s degree.

One of the cons of being a CVOR nurse is that you will need a bachelor's degree to enter the field. This means that it will take you four years to complete this degree, and the degree will be expensive. You will essentially be putting your life on hold for four years while you complete your education.

You could pursue an associate degree in nursing, but you will have difficulty getting a job. Most employers prefer to hire nurses with a bachelor's degree. And, even if you can find a job, you will likely be paid less than nurses with a bachelor's degree.

2. You will need to pass a licensing exam.

After you finish your education and earn your degree, your studying is not over. You will need to prepare to take the National Certification Licensing Exam (NCLEX). This is a test that all nurses must pass in order to be licensed and practice nursing. The NCLEX tests your knowledge and skills to make sure you are prepared to provide safe and effective patient care.

The NCLEX by no means is an easy exam. It is quite difficult. Many people do not pass this exam on the first try. Unfortunately, the reality is that if you cannot pass this exam, then you wasted all that time and money on your education.

3. You may need to keep up with multiple certifications

One of the top cons of being a CVOR nurse is that you will need to keep up with various certifications. The main three are BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and Certified nurse operating room (CNOR). These need to be renewed every two years, and it can be tough to keep track of them all.

If you do not have the proper certifications to work in your institution and unit, you will not be able to work. This could easily lead to a lapse in your employment, or you may have to take time off without pay to rectify the lapsed certification.

4. You will have to gain specific experience.

In order to be a CVOR nurse, you will need to gain specific experience in clinical nursing. This can be done by working in an operating room, critical care unit, cardiovascular unit/operating room, or a recovery room. You will need to be able to show that you have the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and that you are able to handle the stress that comes with it. You will also need to be able to show that you can work independently and as part of a team.

5. You may be on your feet for long hours.

As a CVOR nurse, you can expect to be standing on your feet for an extended period of time. You will be standing and moving around the room during each case. There are also times when you will need to be at the patient's bedside for a prolonged period of time. In addition, you will be required to wear heavy lead aprons during some procedures, which can add to your fatigue.

6. You may get called in on the weekends or holidays.

One of the biggest disadvantages of being a CVOR nurse is that you may get called in on the weekends or holidays. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if you have plans with your family or friends. Additionally, it can be difficult to find childcare on short notice. If you are a parent, this may be something to consider before accepting a position in the CVOR.

7. You may get called in, in the middle of the night.

An emergency can happen at any time. As a CVOR nurse, you can be called in in the middle of the night for a case. Being called in in the middle of the night is not only disruptive to you, but it can be disruptive to your family or those you live with. While it is part of the job, managing it can be challenging.

8. You may have to deal with some pretty poor outcomes.

Another one of the cons of being a CVOR nurse is that not every one of your patients will have a great outcome. Some of the patients you work with will have an extremely poor outcome. This can take an emotional toll on you as a nurse. You have to be able to deal with this fact in order to be a CVOR nurse. If you allow yourself to get too emotionally involved with your patients, it will only make it harder on you when they do not do well.

9. You may have to work with some pretty demanding surgeons

Another one of the disadvantages of being a CVOR nurse is that you may have to work with some pretty demanding surgeons. These surgeons are used to being in control and often want things done a certain way.

You may find that these surgeons can yell and be disrespectful if things are not going the way they want. This can make for a very stressful work environment. Some nurses have even quit their jobs because they cannot handle the stress anymore.

10. You may become burned out.

As a CVOR nurse, you may become burned out over time. This can happen for several reasons, such as working long hours, being on call often, or having to deal with high-stress situations. Burnout can lead to a loss of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, and even depression. Some nurses will either change specialties or leave nursing altogether in response to becoming burned out.



Top Pros of Being a CVOR Nurse

(The following are the top 10 advantages of being a CVOR Nurse.)


1. You can earn a decent living.

One of the pros of being a CVOR nurse is that you can earn a great living. This type of nursing offers a lot of opportunities for overtime and earning potential. If you are looking for a career in nursing that will provide you with financial stability, then CVOR nursing may be the right choice for you.

2. You will be able to find a job anywhere.

As a CVOR nurse, you will be able to find a job anywhere. You will have the skills and experience to work in a variety of settings, from small community hospitals to large academic medical centers. You will be able to work in both the operating room and the cardiovascular unit, providing care for patients before, during and after surgery. You will also be able to provide education and support to patients and their families.

3. You will be highly skilled.

As a CVOR nurse, you will be highly skilled. Your skills will be highly sought after, and you will be in high demand. The skillset that you possess is like no other nurse. You will be highly trained in cardiovascular procedures and care. You will be able to provide the highest level of care to your patients. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then a career as a CVOR nurse is the perfect choice for you.

4. You will not have a sedentary job.

One of the top pros of being a CVOR nurse is that you will not have a sedentary job. You will be constantly moving around the operating room, ensuring that the patient is comfortable and that the surgical team has everything they need. This can be a great way to stay in shape and avoid the health risks associated with sedentary jobs.

Some of the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle are obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, by being a CVOR nurse and ensuring you have an active job, you can avoid some of these health risks.

5. You will have a flexible schedule.

Another one of the biggest advantages of being a CVOR nurse is that you may be able to enjoy a flexible schedule. This means that you can work the hours and shifts that best fit your lifestyle and needs. This can be a great perk, especially for those who have families or other commitments outside of work.

6. Being on call may earn you some extra cash.

As a CVOR nurse being on call may earn you some extra cash. This can be a great way to supplement your income and get some extra money in your pocket. Some institutions will even pay overtime when you get called in. Being on-call can be a great way to make some extra money.

7. You may be able to have your institution pay for your career advancement.

One of the pros of being a CVOR nurse is that you may be able to have your institution pay for your career advancement. If you are looking to move up in your career, this can be a great way to do so without having to pay for it yourself. Additionally, this can also lead to higher wages and better benefits in your new position.

8. You will be helping others.

As a CVOR nurse, you will be helping others in their time of need. You will be there to support them and make sure that they are comfortable during their cardiovascular surgery. You will also be responsible for monitoring their vital signs and making sure that they are stable. This is an essential job, and you will need to be able to handle it with grace and compassion.

9. You are performing a job not everyone can do.

As a CVOR nurse, you are performing a job not everyone can do. You have to be able to work well under pressure, have excellent communication skills, and be able to think on your feet. This is a demanding job, but it is also a very rewarding one. You get to see firsthand the positive impact you have on patients' lives. So, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a CVOR nurse.

10. You are looked at as an expert.

One of the advantages of being a CVOR nurse is that you are seen as an expert in your field. This can be advantageous when it comes to networking and finding new opportunities. It also means that you are more likely to be respected by your peers and have a greater chance of being heard when you voice your opinions.



Breaking Down the Salary of a CVOR Nurse


What Is The Starting Salary Of A CVOR Nurse?


The starting salary of a CVOR nurse is $32.45 an hour. Earning $32.45 an hour will translate to $1,298 a week or $5,620 a month. This means that you will have an annual salary of $67,490.

Hourly$32.45
Weekly $1,298
Monthly$5,620
Annual$67,490


What Is The Average Salary Of A CVOR Nurse?


The average CVOR nurse's salary is $98,078 a year, which will break down to $8,170 a month. This means that weekly you will be earning $1,886. So, the average CVOR nurse salary per hour would then be $47.15.

Hourly$47.15
Weekly $1,886
Monthly$8,170
Annual$98,078
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com)


CVOR Nurse Salary By State


In the world of CVOR nursing, your salary will be different in every state. Your job as a CVOR nurse in each of these states will be the same, yet the pay scale is very different. For example, in Alabama, you will earn an annual salary of $73,730. On the other hand, California will have you earning a yearly salary of $146,920 for the same job. I know where I would be applying for jobs.

State Hourly Monthly Annual
Alabama $35.45 $6,140 $73,730
Alaska $54.73 $9,490 $113,830
Arizona $45.95 $7,970 $95,580
Arkansas $35.25 $6,110 $73,310
California $70.63 $12,240 $146,920
Colorado $45.87 $7,950 $95,410
Connecticut $49.93 $8,660 $103,860
Delaware $45.04 $7,810 $93,680
Florida $42.33 $7,340 $88,050
Georgia $45.13 $7,820 $93,860
Hawaii $59.98 $10,400 $124,750
Idaho $41.64 $7,220 $86,620
Illinois $43.56 $7,550 $90,600
Indiana $40.04 $6,940 $83,280
Iowa $36.75 $6,370 $76,440
Kansas $38.13 $6,610 $79,320
Kentucky $41.12 $7,130 $85,530
Louisiana $40.22 $6,970 $83,650
Maine $41.01 $7,110 $85,300
Maryland $46.61 $8,080 $96,950
Massachusetts $55.17 $9,560 $114,760
Michigan $42.73 $7,410 $88,880
Minnesota $47.07 $8,160 $97,910
Mississippi $35.99 $6,240 $74,850
Missouri $38.07 $6,600 $79,180
Montana $41.50 $7,190 $86,330
Nebraska $38.94 $6,750 $81,000
Nevada $51.02 $8,840 $106,120
New Hampshire $44.19 $7,660 $91,920
New Jersey $51.21 $8,880 $106,520
New Mexico $45.34 $7,860 $94,300
New York $53.04 $9,190 $110,330
North Carolina $41.01 $7,110 $85,310
North Dakota $39.73 $6,890 $82,640
Ohio $41.56 $7,200 $86,440
Oklahoma $40.75 $7,060 $84,760
Oregon $56.48 $9,790 $117,470
Pennsylvania $42.71 $7,400 $88,840
Rhode Island $46.75 $8,100 $97,240
South Carolina $39.38 $6,830 $81,900
South Dakota $34.17 $5,920 $71,070
Tennessee $38.39 $6,660 $79,860
Texas $44.67 $7,740 $92,910
Utah $40.47 $7,020 $84,180
Vermont $42.38 $7,350 $88,140
Virginia $43.37 $7,520 $90,200
Washington $53.86 $9,340 $112,030
West Virginia $38.26 $6,630 $79,590
Wisconsin $42.91 $7,440 $89,250
Wyoming $42.91 $7,440 $89,260



Highest Paid CVOR Nurses


What Are The 10 Highest Paying States For CVOR Nurses?


When applying for a job as a CVOR nurse, you may want to know which states pay the highest. The highest paying states for CVOR nurses will all have you earning six figures. California, as we know, is the highest-paid state, with an annual salary of $146,920. Hawaii is not too far behind with having you earn an annual salary of $124,750. Massachusetts and Oregon will have you earning a salary in the $115,000 range. Alaska is right behind these states, with an annual salary of $113,830. Washington, New York, Nevada, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have you earning a yearly salary in the low $100,000 range.

Rank State Average
Annual Salary
1 California $146,920
2 Hawaii $124,750
3 Oregon $117,470
4 Massachusetts $114,760
5 Alaska $113,830
6 Washington $112,030
7 New York $110,330
8 New Jersey $106,520
9 Nevada $106,120
10 Connecticut $103,860


What Are The 10 Highest Paying Metros For CVOR Nurses?


The highest paying metros for CVOR nurses are all located in California. The highest paying metro is San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, with an average annual salary of $181,550. Chico, California, is the lowest paying metro out of the top ten highest paying metros. Here you will earn a yearly salary of $139,300. That is not too shabby if you ask me.

Rank Metro Average
Annual Salary
1 San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA $181,550
2 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $176,320
3 Vallejo-Fairfield, CA $174,470
4 Santa Rosa, CA $166,550
5 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $165,010
6 Napa, CA $161,310
7 Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA $160,030
8 Modesto, CA $152,620
9 Stockton-Lodi, CA $143,650
10 Chico, CA $139,300



Top Organizations and Associations for CVOR Nurses


American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is the certifying body for Basic Life support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS). Here, you will find information on how to obtain certification and information on advancements or changes. You will also be able to print out your certification cards and verify your certification.

American Nurses Association: The American Nurse Association strives to be your one-stop shop for all things nursing. They provide you with resources on certification, education, and events so that no matter what stage in life or career path you are exploring, they can help point out the best way forward!


My Final Thoughts


CVOR nurses are an essential part of the surgical team. They play a critical role in ensuring that patients have a safe and successful cardiovascular surgery. CVOR nurses have a unique perspective on the health care system. They are able to see both the big picture and the small details, which is why their insights are so valuable. Although there are many pros and cons of being a CVOR nurse to consider before making a decision on if this is the career for you. We hope this article, the top 10 pros and cons of being a CVOR nurse, has been helpful in giving you a better understanding of what it’s like to work as a CVOR nurse.


Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert


1. Is CVOR Nursing A Good Career?

Yes, being a CVOR nurse is a great career. You will make a great living and be in high demand, and you will also have a portable job. You can find a job anywhere!


2. On Average, How Much Does A CVOR Nurse Make Per Hour?

The average CVOR nurse salary per hour is $47.15. This hourly rate is well above the national average of hourly rates.

$47.15


3. How Many Hours Does A CVOR Nurse Work In A Week?

The number of hours you will be working as a CVOR nurse will depend mainly on the type of facility you work for and the type of unit you are on. Some CVOR nurses may see themselves working 12-hour shifts three to four days a week. Other CVOR nurses may work four 10-hour days. Others will work five days a week for a total of 40 hours.

Some CVOR nurses will have to work weekends and holidays. Other CVOR nurses will need to be on call. You never know when an emergency will arise, and institutions need to ensure that they have qualified staff to respond to these emergencies.


4. Is Being A CVOR Nurse Stressful?

Yes, being a CVOR nurse can be stressful at times. Some of the cases you work on will be routine and run-of-the-mill. Others will be emergent and will mean life or death for your patient. You must be prepared for anything.


5. Do I Need To Be Certified To Work As A CVOR Nurse?

Specific certifications will be required for you to work as a CVOR nurse. Others will be recommended and strongly preferred.


6. What Certifications Are Required Or Recommended For A CVOR Nurse?

Basic Life support (BLS) is one certification that is required to be a CVOR nurse. Pediatric advance life support (PALS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certifications will depend on the type of unit and institution you work for. CNOR certification is not required, but many institutions do prefer it for their CVOR nurses.


7. How Long Does It Take To Become A CVOR Nurse?

If you plan to go the route of an associate’s degree nurse, your education will take around two years to complete. You will then need anywhere from one to two years of clinical experience to be a CVOR nurse. This means you are looking at three to four years to complete.

Suppose you choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. In that case, you are looking at about four years for your education and then an additional one to two years of clinical experience. This means it will take you a total of five to six years.


8. How Much Does It Cost To Become A CVOR Nurse?

The answer to this question will depend on the type of degree you choose. Associates degrees in nursing are less expensive than bachelor's. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3k-$10K per year for an associate's at a public university, while private institutions may charge up to 40 grand per year. A bachelor’s degree will cost anywhere from $80,000 to $160,000 for your education.


9. What Kind Of Career Advancement Opportunities Are There For CVOR Nurses?

As a CVOR nurse, you can advance your education by earning either a master’s degree or a Doctorate. You could move over to the managerial side of nursing or become a nurse practitioner. If you like the feel of the operating room, you could become a CRNA. The career of nursing has so many opportunities for advancement,


10. What Is A Cardiovascular Operating Room?

A cardiovascular operating room, also known as a CVOR, is a specialized operating room used for performing surgeries on the heart and blood vessels. This type of operating room is outfitted with special equipment and staffed by highly trained surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals.


11. What Shifts Do CVOR Nurses Work?

A CVOR nurse can work 12-hour shifts three to four days a week or may work four, ten-hour shifts. Depending on the institution, you may find some CVOR nurses that work 5 days a week 8-hour shifts. It is very common for CVOR nurses to be on call during holidays, weekends, and overnights.


12. What Type Of Surgeries Do Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurses Assist In?

CVOR nurses will assist in surgeries that involve the heart and the vessels. Some of the common surgeries that they will assist in include open-heart surgery, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, valve replacement surgery, and pacemaker implantation surgery. Other surgeries may include heart and lung transplantation, aortic aneurysm repair, and arrhythmia surgery, to name a few.


13. What Qualities Are Vital To A CVOR Nurse?

The vital qualities for a CVOR nurse to possess include excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to work well under pressure is another essential quality, as CVOR nurses must be able to think quickly and make decisions in potentially life-threatening situations.

Excellent organizational skills are also crucial, as CVOR nurses must be able to keep track of multiple patients' surgical schedules and be prepared for whatever surgery may come their way. Finally, a CVOR nurse must have a compassionate nature and be able to empathize with patients and their families who are going through a challenging time.


Jennifer Schlette MSN, RN
Jennifer Schlette is a registered nurse in pediatric critical care in New York City. She is the former Director of Undergraduate Nursing at a college located in New York. After obtaining her BSN from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, she went on to complete her MSN.