The characteristics of a nurse’s job in a cardiology day hospital

The cardiology day hospital, part of the Clinical Department of Cardiovascular Disease at the University Hospital Centre in Osijek, started working in April 2017. Patients are enabled to conduct diagnostic procedures, treatment, application and monitoring of certain therapeutic procedures, examinations, education of patients and family members, and the dispensing and administration of drugs approved by the Drug and Therapeutics Committee. Last year, 1.074 cardiac catheterizations and twelve electro conversions were performed, as well as 1.232 outpatient physical examinations. Following outpatient physical examinations, 121 patients received venous therapy, twenty-four patients with hypercholesterolemia received subcutaneous therapy, and four patients received a specific therapy for Fabry’s disease. Therapy approved by the Drug and Therapeutic Committee was issued to 509 patients. Residents, cardiologists, and nurses participate in daily work. Nurses need to be trained and educated to react promptly, recognize complications, and alert physicians if an adverse event occurs. They need to have developed communication skills to work in a multidisciplinary team, of which they remain an integral part. The nurse orders, interprets, presents, and monitors diagnostic tests on patients. She collaborates with patients and family members daily, is constantly available via phone or email, and develops and maintains excellent relationships with patients. Initial ˝D2˝ referrals issued by family medicine doctors are valid for one year and provide patients access to health care in the cardiology day hospital. This method of medical practice reduced the need for hospitalizations, improved patient quality of life, and reduced treatment costs significantly (1).