At the Heart Institute at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, our team of over 65 pediatric cardiac nurses plays a key role in supporting the needs of our patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Nurses are expertly trained to provide a continuum of critical and acute care nursing throughout the entire lifespan; neonates to adults with congenital and acquired heart defects.
Team Approach
Our nurses are active participants on a team of cardiac surgeons, cardiac intensivists, cardiologists, physician extenders, and perfusionists, who collaborate effortlessly to provide excellence in patient care.
Nurses take an active approach in improving the quality of care by monitoring and improving quality outcomes and incorporating evidence-based practice. The newest process; the Nursing Outcomes Team, is a nursing-
driven committee that meets monthly to review quality outcomes to improve best practices.
At Children's Hospital, our nurses support the needs of patients from admission to discharge. They provide care during the post operative period, acute admission and journey to recovery.
Training and Education
In addition to specialized cardiac nursing care, this team of nurses is able to provide the support and compassion that our patients and families need during the most challenging of times. Our nurses receive training and education to support them through orientation, as well as ongoing career advancement.
Under the direction of our CICU Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist, the nurses have the opportunity to participate in career advancing education, publication submissions, projects, and certifications. Nurses receive support and guidance to turn their ideas for improving patient care into tools that truly improve care for our patients.
The CICU recognizes our nurses for excellence in care and dedication in supporting Children's Hospital's Patient and Family Centered Care Model. The Beads of Courage® Bead Caring Program recognizes a nurse each month for their hands-on care in the healing process of patients and families with heart disease.
UPMC Children's cardiac critical care nurses participate in nursing consortia, including the Consortium of Congenital Cardiac Care - Measurement of Nursing Practice, which is a national community of nurse leaders, clinical experts, and nurse scientists committed to rigorous measurement of the quality of care required by nurses to achieve optimal outcomes for children with cardiac disease.
Dedication Outside The Hospital
The RNs participate in community events such as the Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids and the Turner Family Heart-to-Heart Picnic, bringing patients and families of heart disease together for fun events and companionship.
Contact Us
For more information about cardiac nursing at Children's Hospital, please call Carrie at 412-692-9740.
