MS or cath lab???

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hi everyone, I'm an RN and I don't have any experience yet. I have an offer in an MS ward and someone has offered me a work in the cath lab. Is it advisable to take the cath lab offer? I would have to train first of course. I mean the cath lab offer is so tempting since they're saying that in order to get in, you need to have an experience in the ICU. Please advise me on what I should do. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, and Cathlab.

Hey ther!

I would definately suggest for you to take up the cath lab offer. Having worked in the cath lab for almost 3 years, i have found this area the most rewarding and mentally challenging out of all the areas i have rotated in. This much is correct that some experience would definately prove beneficial . Regarding what sort of experience , i would say it always helps to have some experience in handling pts with various cardiac issues (things that are found commonly in the coronary care unit e.g. MI,s, pts on a vent or on an IABP, handling pts with a temporary or permanent pacemaker). A sound knowledge of cardiac drugs and those used in the event of a cardiac arrest is also helpfull. I'm not saying that a novice nurse would not be able to handle him/herself just that the cathlab is somewhat apart from any other area of the hospital.

Hope this info was useful. Feel free to ask any other queries or questions you may have. Take care.

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Well, I really don't have an experience working in a hospital yet since I'm classified under the new grads.. I don't know if I can make it in the cath lab but I'm very willing to learn and adapt to the situation there.

What's being done in the cath lab anyway? And what should i be learning? or reading?

My employer told me that once I agree to work for them, they'll start training me on critical care courses and when I'm ready, they'll let me work and be by myself I guess.

Thanks!!

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I assume you mean Med-Surg right? My first nursing job (which I will be leaving to move across country for family for) is NOC M/S and I love it. Great chance to see a variety of cases and get practical experience with a wide variety of skills.

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