What is the Role of the Coronary Care Nurse? A Review of the Literature

Background: The role of the coronary care nurse has often been described based on anecdotal evidence. However in a research conscious society it is vital that this important role is able to be defined using research findings. This paper explores the literature in order to describe this role in a research context.

Aim: To review the literature to establish the contemporary role of the coronary care nurse.

Methods: An electronic search of three healthcare databases to identify all journal articles published between 1990 and 2006. The review was focussed on all primary research or audit articles that discussed the roles of nurses working in coronary care units.

Results: Coronary care nurses are responsible for patient assessment and symptom management often using technology to achieve these goals. In addition they are able to develop therapeutic relationships with their patients and are in a prime position to provide vital physical and psychological care in both the critical and palliative stages of illness.

Conclusion: Whilst no study has investigated the coronary care nursing role in its entirety the themes identified within many of the studies were consistent. Therefore the findings of this review are considered to be an accurate reflection of this role.