Cardiac Cath Advice

jmgrn65, RN · Jun 27, 2007

I am not sure I know what your question is?

Radiation in the cath lab is kept to min. and if your are working in there then you would wear lead aprons, and they come in different size and styles so you can cover what ever you need to.

bigsyis · Jun 27, 2007

Any advice or heads up on possible transfer from emergency room (high volume, lots of drips, MI's) to the cath lab. I'm also a little wary of possible radiation exposure as a young male. Thanks!

As someone who made the switch, let me say that I wouldnl't have except that my family life required that I be home at a certain time every evening to keep an eye on a wayward stepdaughter.

Because of the critical nature of the service provided, Cath labs can use lots of drips too, Swan-Ganz catheters, vents, etc. The folks are already known (or suspected to be) compromised from a cardiac standpoint, so you know there is a greater risk, going in. You also do LOTS of patient and family teaching.

Everybody wears a lead apron, vest, and thyroid protection.

Marchantia · Jul 9, 2007

Any advice or heads up on possible transfer from emergency room (high volume, lots of drips, MI's) to the cath lab. I'm also a little wary of possible radiation exposure as a young male. Thanks!

Well let me tell you this much, if your heart is in cardiology (excuse the pun), i would have to say go ahead and take that transfer. Dont worry you'll get to see your fair share of fliud lines, hehehe....

CCL"Babe", BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2007

I went from the ED to the Cath Lab as well. Your radiation exposure should be monitored by badges that should be required. There are also leaded shields that go between the source of radiation and yourself. Usually there are glass partitions that you can stand behind as well.

I was told that I would be bored stiff within 6 weeks and would be begging to return to the ED. Never happened. I loved it. You still get your rush with critical patients, codes, patients who come in for routine caths who end up on balloon pumps going for emergency bypass surgery. It is a wonderful feeling to have someone come in coding- find the blockage, take care of it and they leave the lab talking, pain free and you know you helped save their life - and they thank you.

It is more technical in the sense that the equipment is very high tech and changes frequently. In my opinion it kept it interesting. I was always learning. In my ED we did not do IABP or lines so I had to learn them as well. Scrubbing is great if your institution allows the nurses to do it. If I had not injured my back I would still be there.

Good luck!