Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 12

My personal feeling is that as a newly qualified nurse the best first post is getting the feel of a "general" ward - something that falls under the umbrella of a "medical ward" or a "surgical ward" even if that may be specialised as cardiology, gastroenterology, GI surgery, ENT etc. it all falls within the brackets of "general medecine and surgery." Once upon a time you always got "ward" (general floor) experience first before thinking of ICU, ER, dialysis etc. and I would count cath lab as being very specialised for a newbie.

I realise my way of thinking is now very old hat, however, as a newbie I would make sure you have a good orientation program to look forward to with proper preceptorship etc. If, as you seem to suggest, you are arriving in the UK as a newly qualified US nurse, then an orientation program is doubly important. Check this out with your prospective employer.

Whatever you decide, good luck. Anything cardiac is extremely interesting.

AliceKath · Jun 12

Hello, thank you for your response.

I am a UK trained nurse due to qualify in 6 weeks. The Cath Lab has a 6-9 month training programme which I think will help with the transition.

II agree with your suggestion to start on the general floor; however, the job situation in the UK is currently dire. Over half of my cohort is without jobs due to budget cuts, despite hospitals urgently needing nurses. The Cath Lab is one of the only positions available at the moment. This role requires me to relocate to another part of England, as there are no hospital positions open in my local area.

skylark, BSN, RN · Jun 12

Completely off topic, but if the job situation is that bad, maybe think about going overseas?

When I qualified (last century!), the best piece of advice our tutor gave us was to spend two years gaining experience, while also studying to qualify overseas. Most went to Aus, and never came back! Pay in the UK is ridiculous, it's just pocket money, and you can make two or three times as much elsewhere, with a much better climate and quality of life.

AliceKath · Jun 12

Hello, to move overseas, I need to have experience as a registered nurse. My end goal is to move to the United States. However, I need two years of experience before this can happen.

I am going to start the process to move to America as soon as I qualify at the end of July. 🙂

skylark, BSN, RN · Jun 12

Don't forget that for the US you are not eligible with a single Adult branch RN qualification. You need all four, med/surg, peds, OB and psych.

AliceKath · Jun 12

Hey, I have done a lot of research and it all depends on what University you go to and what they do/teach. I have med/surg, peds and psych. I am currently working on getting my OB hours.

People say you can't move to America as a British-trained nurse, but you can. You just have to ensure you have all the evidence and hours. It also depends on what state you apply for :).

Thank You for your help

skylark, BSN, RN · Jun 12

It was possible to move to the US when the UK RN was a generalist qualification, pre 2K. Now its in branches to stop nurses going overseas!

You will need transcripts to prove all the hours theory and practice, before you can apply for NCLEX. How do you plan to get a visa?

AliceKath · Jun 12

It is still possible just takes longer. Please stop spreading false information. I completely understand that it was easier when there was no branches, but it is still possible.

A lot of newer British nurses have been getting approved in New York and Connecticut. I have been speaking to different agencies who have all had nurses successfully move to America. I have also meet nurses stateside who have recently moved from England.
I really do appreciate your help, but please don't tell British nurses it is not possible when it is.

skylark, BSN, RN · Jun 12

Thank you,

I'm in Chicago, I'm aware of the process.

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 15

AliceKath said:

Hello, thank you for your response.

I am a UK trained nurse due to qualify in 6 weeks. The Cath Lab has a 6-9 month training programme which I think will help with the transition.

II agree with your suggestion to start on the general floor; however, the job situation in the UK is currently dire. Over half of my cohort is without jobs due to budget cuts, despite hospitals urgently needing nurses. The Cath Lab is one of the only positions available at the moment. This role requires me to relocate to another part of England, as there are no hospital positions open in my local area.

I take your point. A 6-9 month training programme sounds great. Given the dire job situation I would say go for it. Sounds a great opportunity.

Sounds like you have a clear plan for eventually getting to the states. I echo Skylark's sentiments that I feel more valued outside the NHS. I personally came to France and while initially salaries weren't fantastic when I arrived here (2001) they've skyrocketed since and significantly left the UK behind. As for working conditions and levels of respect - NO COMPARISON to the NHS. Shame to see the NHS in such dire straits but I fully understand people leaving. You've got one life to live. Enjoy!