RN Cath Lab Interview

Specialties CCU

Published

Hello, I am seeking advice for my interview in the Cardiac Cath Lab. I have two years experience as a tele nurse; patient ratio 6:1 and the floor was more of a stepdown unit than a tele unit. I am wondering what type of questions I should have for the cath lab; what should I be looking for in this employer? And what type of questions should I be prepared for? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

Specializes in ICU.

Well, I have never been a cath lab so to say, but I do outcomes for a cardiac cath lab, so I am in there a lot, observing. I was an ICU bedside nurse prior to this and let me tell you, the cath lab is a while different world and skill set.

DO your research on the position. It a very technical position, really needing to anticipate equipment use. You work very, very closely with the doctors.

You MUST have a very strong knowledge of the coronary anatomy, it's a must.

Ability to go from something very routine to an emergency situation.

Highlight these features.

Good luck, the cath lab as a bedside nurse seems like a very interesting place to be and quite honestly would rather work in lab. Much different than floor nursing, to be quite honest, but you learn A LOT. Once people get there, they generally don't want to leave!

Specializes in ICU.

How do you handle stress? Give an example and how you handled it.

Specializes in Cardiac.

Ideas on questions to ask:

- Is the position for scrub? Recovery? circulating? Or a combination of all of the above?

- Will there be call (evenings or weekends), if so what are the expectations/rotations per month?

- Will the cases all be cardiac, or do they also do radiology procedures? (so you have an idea of the kind of cases)

- What kind of leadership is around? (is there strictly a manager who may/may not work in the lab or are there shift supervisors also)

- How does the staff get along? Do they socialize outside of the work environment? (You want to get a good sense of the teamwork and attitude of the staff. This can be a stressful position - although very fun! You want to be working with other staff that is teamwork focused as it is essential for a positive working environment in this kind of situation. I've worked in a lab before where everyone was doing their own thing and it made the lab miserbale)

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