The pediatric cardiovascular surgery patient has many needs, based not only on the complexity of the surgical procedure, but also on anatomic, physiologic, and emotional differences. These differences have implications for nursing care in the postoperative period. This article focuses on the special needs of a child who required correction of a congenital heart defect. The specialized knowledge required by the podiatric critical care nurse to make accurate assessments of the child's status and to intervene appropriately are emphasized. Issues surrounding the care of the family of the child who experiences cardiac surgery are highlighted.