Cardiovascular Operating Room Nurse Salary Guide

Cardiovascular operating room nurses are a vital part of the cardiovascular surgical services team as they provide direct patient care in the CVOR surgical suite. CVOR nursing is a highly specialized field, making CVOR nurses in high demand across the nation. Most CVOR RNs work in hospital operating rooms, but they may also work in dedicated cardiovascular surgery centers. Due to their advanced clinical knowledge of cardiac operative procedures, CVOR nursing is among the highest-paid nursing specialties, but salaries vary based on several factors.

CVOR nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for cardiovascular patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They assist throughout operations and continuously monitor patients and alert the surgical team of any concerns. CVOR RNs coordinate the entire OR with respect to sterility, availability of functioning equipment and supplies, and providing critical quality control to ensure patients’ safety.

Prospective nurses can enter the field by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). However, due to the specialized surgical assisting skills required for CVOR nurses, many employers prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher. All nursing school graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Following licensure, some facilities require completion of a CVOR nursing course and departmental training program.

Experience is a primary factor in how a CVOR RN salary is based since most hospitals prefer CVOR nurses to have prior operating room experience. It takes hands-on experience to excel as a CVOR RN, so the number of years a nurse has worked in a CVOR setting can make a difference in their salary base. Entry-level CVOR nurses generally make significantly less than those at mid-career and even less than those with more than 10 years of experience.

Because many facilities prefer BSN-educated nurses in the CVOR field, education level also plays a role in how salaries are based. Whether a CVOR nurse has obtained additional knowledge and skills, such as advanced cardiac operative procedure knowledge and enhanced lifesaving skills, can also be factors. Relevant certifications also may impact base salaries.

Basic Life Support certification is required. Many facilities also prefer, and sometimes require, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Career progression and salary also can be influenced by whether CVOR nurses hold professional certifications in the field. Studies have shown that certified nurses usually earn more annually compared to nurses who don’t hold certifications.

Experienced cardiovascular operating room nurses are in demand across the country, but some locations pay better salaries than others. Like other nursing roles, California is usually the highest paying location for CVOR RNs with several California cities among the highest paying locales. States in the northeastern and western parts of the country also tend to pay well. However, many higher-paying locations also have higher costs of living that may offset the difference.

CVOR nurses already earn competitive wages due to the complex nature and advanced training required in these positions. However, additional education and professional certifications can increase this salary even further.

Earning the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) is a mark of distinction and indicates an RN has extensive knowledge in the field. Applicants must currently be working as perioperative nurses and have a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing, including at least 1,200 hours in an intraoperative setting. The CNOR credential must be renewed every five years.

Completing an accredited master’s or doctoral program in nursing can prepare RNs to become clinical nurse specialists in the perioperative field. As a CNS, you can pursue the Clinical Nurse Specialist Perioperative Certification credential (CNS-CP) from CCI. This certification validates an RNs perioperative competency at an advanced practice level and can greatly enhance salary potential. RNs must have completed a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours of experience in perioperative nursing with at least 50% of these hours in an intraoperative setting. The CNS-CP is also a five-year credential that must be renewed.

Take a look at Vivian's CVOR Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.