&NA;Congenital heart disease includes a variety of malformations or defects arising during fetal development that affect the heart and major vessels. Because of improved diagnostics and therapy, infants who would otherwise have died soon after birth are surviving to adulthood and living longer, more productive lives. This growing population requires specialized care from advanced clinical nurses who understand these patients' unique concerns and needs.[Dimens Crit Care Nurs 2000:19(1):2‐15]