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Cardiac Emergencies Course

Cardiac Emergencies is an on-demand, self-paced 8-hour CE course designed for acute care nurses who want to confidently recognize and respond to high-risk cardiac conditions. Through real-life case studies and practical, evidence-based strategies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of cardiac pathophysiology, critical interventions, and clinical decision-making. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and competence in any cardiac emergency.

Course Details
Course Format: eLearning/Self-directed 
Contact Hours:  8
Course Length:  7.5 hrs

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Doors expected to open Dec 1, 2026

What's Included in the Course

9 comprehensive cardiac modules

covering assessment, ECG interpretation, dysrhythmias, pacing, acute coronary syndromes, valve emergencies, aortic emergencies, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and cardiogenic shock.

Real-world case studies

that challenge you to recognize subtle signs of deterioration, connect assessment findings to the underlying pathophysiology, and decide what to do next.

ECG and 12-lead Interpretation

with practical examples of tachyarrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, heart blocks, ischemia, occlusion MI patterns, and other high-risk findings.

Evidence-based emergency management

including medications, electrical therapies, temporary pacing, hemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive support, mechanical circulatory support, and escalation of care.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

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Recognize early signs of cardiac deterioration

by integrating physical assessment findings, vital-sign trends, ECG changes, laboratory data, and hemodynamics.

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Differentiate common and life-threatening cardiac emergencies

and connect the underlying pathophysiology to the patient's clinical presentation.

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Prioritize evidence-based interventions and escalation of care

for patients experiencing dysrhythmias, acute coronary occlusion, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and other cardiovascular emergencies.

The Rapid Response & Rescue introductory course gives nurses the tools and assessment skills they need to improve their confidence and competence when responding to emergencies. This course was specifically created for both new and experienced nurses who want to level up their ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of their patient's decline and know how to respond quickly when every minute matters.

  • Teach you how to rapidly assess and determine how sick your patient really is.
  • Provide a framework for understanding why and how patients compensate when something is wrong.
  • Explain clearly the difference between stable and unstable patient presentations.
  • Help you navigate your own stress reaction when your patient is crashing.
  • Give you the confidence and verbiage to advocate for your patient to the interdisciplinary team.
  • Walk you through case scenarios for the most common emergencies and how to rapidly respond to rescue the patient. 
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The Nurse Behind the Course

Sarah Lorenzini, MSN-ED, RN, CCRN, CEN

Hey there! I'm Sarah!

I'm a Rapid Response Nurse, cardiac patient, and passionate nurse educator who loves making complicated cardiac concepts finally click!

I've spent over 20 years working in the ER, Cardiac ICU, Rapid Response, and nursing education. I have a Master's degree in Nursing Education, hold my CCRN and CEN certifications, and host the Rapid Response RN podcast.

But my passion for cardiac emergencies is more than professional. It's personal.

In 2024, I was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition that puts me at risk for life-threatening arrhythmias. Since then, I've had a defibrillator implanted and have been diagnosed with heart failure. After years of caring for cardiac patients, I suddenly found myself on the other side of the bed.

That's why this course means so much to me. I want to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to recognize cardiac emergencies, understand WHY they're happening, and know how to respond when every second matters.

I can't wait to help you grow your knowledge, sharpen your clinical judgment, and feel more prepared for the next cardiac emergency that comes your way!

sarah lorenzini

"As a cardiac nurse, I know how important it is to recognize and respond to a heart in trouble. As a cardiac patient, I know how important it is to have a nurse who knows exactly what to do. I want to help you become that nurse."

— Sarah Lorenzini, MSN-ED, RN, CCRN, CEN

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiac Emergencies Course

Be ready when every second counts. Gain the confidence and clinical skills to recognize, assess, and respond to high-risk cardiac emergencies.

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