As a Cardiac Surgery Nurse in the Department of National Defence, you will provide specialized nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures and recovery. Working in a fast-paced surgical environment, you will be responsible for patient assessment, preparation, monitoring during surgery, and post-operative care. You will collaborate closely with cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes and safety. Your role is critical in managing complex medical situations and providing compassionate care to patients during vulnerable times.
In this position, you will manage patient vital signs, administer medications, maintain sterile environments, and respond quickly to changes in patient condition. You will document detailed patient records, educate patients and families about procedures and recovery, and provide emotional support throughout the surgical journey. Cardiac Surgery Nurses work in hospital settings within Canadian Armed Forces medical facilities, where you may support both military personnel and eligible dependents.
This career offers the opportunity to develop advanced clinical expertise while serving Canada's defence and health care mission. You will work as part of a dedicated team in a structured, professional environment that values continuous learning and evidence-based practice.
Key Responsibilities
Provide nursing services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become a Cardiac Surgery Nurse in the DND civilian workforce, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent from an accredited Canadian nursing program. You must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in your province or territory through your provincial regulatory college or nursing association, with an active, unrestricted license.
Specialized cardiac nursing certification is highly valued and may be required depending on the specific posting. Relevant certifications include the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential from Nursing Certification Canada, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Many employers prefer or require experience in cardiac or perioperative nursing settings.
The DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities including in-service training, clinical orientation programs, and access to continuing education. You may pursue additional certifications such as the Canadian Nurses Association Certification in cardiac nursing, and the department supports attendance at professional conferences and workshops to maintain clinical competency and advance your nursing practice.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Cardiac Surgery Nurse position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through one of several pathways. The primary method is through open staffing processes and competitions announced on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions may be open to all qualified Canadian citizens, or may target specific groups such as veterans or Indigenous peoples depending on departmental priorities.
You may also enter through pools of pre-qualified candidates, which are maintained by DND Human Resources for nursing positions. If you are already employed in the Public Service in another capacity, you may be able to apply through lateral movement opportunities or internal competitions, which give priority consideration to current federal employees.
Students enrolled in nursing programs may be eligible for the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), which provides practical work experience in DND healthcare facilities and can lead to priority consideration for permanent positions upon graduation. Additionally, military veterans with nursing credentials may have access to preferential hiring programs designed to support their transition to civilian roles within the department.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Cardiac Surgery Nurses in DND vary depending on operational requirements and facility needs. While many perioperative positions operate on full-time schedules to ensure continuity of surgical services, some facilities may offer part-time or casual opportunities, particularly for shift coverage or seasonal variations in surgical volume.
Flexible scheduling may be available in some DND healthcare facilities, with potential for shift rotation including days, evenings, and weekends based on surgical schedules and patient care demands. Remote work is generally not applicable for clinical nursing roles due to the requirement for direct patient care and hands-on monitoring in surgical and recovery environments.
The DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and may offer benefits such as flexible leave options, telework for administrative or educational components of the role, and support for professional development. Specific flexibility arrangements should be discussed with the hiring department during the recruitment process, as accommodations depend on operational requirements and the specific healthcare facility where you would be employed.
