Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC®) Review Course 2022 (Videos + Slides + Quiz)

Comprehensive CSC Exam Preparation for Cardiac Surgery & CVICU Nurses

Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC®) Review Course 2022 is a specialized board-preparation and professional development program designed specifically for nurses caring for adult cardiac surgery patients during the critical first 48 hours following surgery. Based on the AACN Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC®) Exam Blueprint, this course provides a structured, easy-to-follow review of essential concepts required for certification success and excellence in cardiovascular intensive care nursing.

Featuring 32 high-yield video lectures, 8 PDF study resources, presentation slides, and practice quizzes (1.99 GB), the course combines exam-focused content with real-world clinical application, helping nurses strengthen their knowledge of cardiac surgery, hemodynamic monitoring, postoperative complications, mechanical circulatory support, and evidence-based critical care management.

Designed and presented in an engaging learning format, this program is ideal for nurses preparing for the CSC® certification examination as well as clinicians seeking to improve confidence and competency in the care of post-cardiac surgery patients.

Course Overview

The CSC® credential validates specialized knowledge and expertise in caring for acutely and critically ill adult patients during the immediate postoperative period following cardiac surgery. Nurses working in cardiovascular intensive care units (CVICUs), cardiothoracic surgery units, and cardiac critical care settings must possess advanced knowledge of hemodynamics, cardiovascular physiology, postoperative management, and complication recognition.

The Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC®) Review Course 2022 follows the AACN certification framework and provides a comprehensive review of all major exam domains through practical, clinically relevant instruction.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of perioperative cardiac surgery care while building the knowledge needed to successfully pass the CSC® examination.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply AACN CSC® certification concepts in clinical practice.
• Recognize normal and abnormal postoperative cardiac surgery findings.
• Interpret advanced hemodynamic monitoring data.
• Identify and manage common postoperative complications.
• Understand the principles of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
• Evaluate patients with mechanical circulatory support devices.
• Optimize care for CABG and valve surgery patients.
• Apply evidence-based interventions in cardiovascular critical care.
• Strengthen clinical decision-making skills in the CVICU.
• Prepare effectively for the CSC® certification examination.

Major Topics Covered

Cardiac Surgery Fundamentals

Common Surgical Procedures

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
• Valve replacement surgery
• Valve repair procedures
• Aortic surgery
• Combined cardiac procedures

Surgical Considerations

• Preoperative assessment
• Intraoperative factors
• Postoperative recovery

Cardiovascular Physiology & Hemodynamics

Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring

• Cardiac output
• Cardiac index
• Systemic vascular resistance
• Pulmonary artery pressures
• Mixed venous oxygen saturation

Interpretation Skills

• Hemodynamic waveform analysis
• Shock recognition
• Perfusion assessment

Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Care

Immediate Postoperative Management

• Ventilator management
• Sedation strategies
• Pain control
• Fluid management

Critical Care Monitoring

• Hemodynamic stabilization
• Neurologic assessment
• Renal function monitoring
• Respiratory support

Mechanical Circulatory Support

Temporary Support Devices

• Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
• ECMO
• Ventricular assist devices (VADs)

Clinical Management

• Device monitoring
• Troubleshooting complications
• Weaning strategies

Cardiac Rhythm Management

Postoperative Arrhythmias

• Atrial fibrillation
• Junctional rhythms
• Ventricular arrhythmias
• Heart block

Management Strategies

• Pharmacologic treatment
• Temporary pacing
• Emergency interventions

Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Essential Medications

• Vasopressors
• Inotropes
• Vasodilators
• Antiarrhythmics
• Anticoagulants

Clinical Application

• Medication selection
• Dose titration
• Hemodynamic response monitoring

Complications of Cardiac Surgery

Cardiovascular Complications

• Low cardiac output syndrome
• Cardiac tamponade
• Bleeding
• Graft failure

Pulmonary Complications

• Respiratory failure
• Pulmonary edema
• Ventilator-associated complications

Neurologic & Renal Complications

• Stroke
• Delirium
• Acute kidney injury

Critical Care Nursing Concepts

Patient Assessment

• Comprehensive cardiovascular assessment
• Early recognition of deterioration
• Prioritization of care

Evidence-Based Practice

• Clinical protocols
• Best-practice interventions
• Quality improvement initiatives

CSC® Certification Exam Preparation

Exam Blueprint Review

• High-yield test content
• Frequently tested concepts
• Clinical application questions

Study Strategies

• Test-taking techniques
• Question interpretation
• Knowledge reinforcement

Educational Features

✔ Designed specifically for the CSC® certification exam

✔ Follows AACN CSC® examination blueprint

✔ 32 comprehensive video lectures

✔ 8 downloadable PDF study resources

✔ Interactive quizzes and review materials

✔ High-yield cardiovascular critical care content

✔ Practical bedside nursing application

✔ Focus on postoperative cardiac surgery management

✔ Hemodynamic monitoring mastery

✔ Exam-focused learning approach

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• CVICU Nurses
• Cardiac Surgery ICU Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• CCRN Candidates
• CSC® Certification Candidates
• Cardiac Step-Down Nurses
• Cardiovascular Nurse Practitioners
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioners
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Cardiac Surgery Coordinators
• Critical Care Educators
• Nurses seeking advanced cardiovascular certification

Why This Course Stands Out

✔ Specifically developed for CSC® certification preparation

✔ Comprehensive review of postoperative cardiac surgery care

✔ Strong focus on cardiovascular critical care nursing

✔ Simplifies complex hemodynamic concepts

✔ Combines exam preparation with bedside clinical practice

✔ Includes quizzes and study resources

✔ Excellent companion to CCRN® and CMC® preparation

✔ Practical, engaging teaching style

✔ Applicable to real-world CVICU practice

✔ Ideal for both certification success and professional growth