CARDIAC REHABILITATION: THE VITAL ROLE OF NURSES IN CARDIOTHORACIC PATIENT RECOVERY

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a pivotal role in the recovery of cardiothoracic patients, with nurses at the forefront of this multidisciplinary effort. This article explores the multifaceted responsibilities of nurses in CR, emphasizing their vital contributions to patients' physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Nurses are involved in patient assessment, education, exercise supervision, medication management, psychosocial support, and risk factor control. Their proactive involvement is supported by a robust body of evidence demonstrating the positive impact of nurse-led CR programs on exercise capacity, quality of life, and cardiovascular risk factors. Recognizing and valuing the indispensable role of nurses in CR is essential for enhancing patients' overall cardiovascular health and well-being.