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Overview
Vascular nursing is a specialized area of nursing focused on the care of patients with diseases and disorders of the vascular system, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic circulation. The Society for Vascular Nursing defines the specialty as advancing care for individuals with vascular conditions across the lifespan while promoting professional development and research. Vascular nurses manage conditions such as peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, aneurysms, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include vascular assessments, assisting with diagnostic and interventional procedures, administering medications such as anticoagulants, monitoring for complications, providing patient education, coordinating interdisciplinary care, and managing vascular access devices.
Work Settings
Vascular nurses practice in hospitals, intensive care units, catheterization labs, interventional radiology, outpatient clinics, dialysis centers, and home health settings.
Scope of Practice
The scope includes hemodynamic monitoring, postoperative vascular care, wound and limb preservation, vascular access management, and patient education. Advanced practice nurses may diagnose, prescribe, and manage complex vascular conditions.
Education and Certification
Entry requires an ADN or BSN, with BSN preferred. Advanced degrees support leadership roles. Certification options include the Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC) and vascular access certifications.
Specialty Areas
Specialties include vascular access nursing, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, wound care, and cardiovascular nursing.
Career Traits
Key traits include critical thinking, technical skill, attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average U.S. salary for vascular nurses is approximately $80,000 annually, with variation by region and specialty. Demand is expected to grow due to an aging population and increasing vascular disease prevalence.
Demographics of the Workforce
The vascular nursing workforce reflects general nursing demographics, with a predominantly female workforce and increasing diversity among newer nurses.
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations include the Society for Vascular Nursing, American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
References
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Cardiac vascular nursing certification.
Incredible Health. (n.d.). Vascular nurse salary in Memphis, TN.
Payscale. (2023). Certified vascular nurse hourly rate.
Society for Vascular Nursing. (n.d.).
Trusted Health. (n.d.). Cardiovascular nurse career guide.
Vivian Health. (2025). Vascular access nurse salary guide.
ZipRecruiter. (2026). Vascular nurse salary.
RegisteredNursing.org. (2025). Certification requirements.
