Cath lab nurses..pls share your wisdom!

[islandgirl97]

Hello, everyone! I'm a fairly new grad. I got my BSN last yr and have been working on a med-surg floor for a yr now (OMG I'm still wondering how I survived!) and there is an opening in one of our specialty clinics which rotates through GI/Radiology/Cath Lab. It's a M-Fri 8 hr job which I'm not particularly looking forward to b/c I really like getting all my days over with in 12s, BUT I would love to work in the cath lab. I need a break from med-surg, plus I'm ready to start using my brain more...lol.... What are my chances at getting this job, considering I've only worked med-surg? Do they typically want experienced nurses who've worked ICU settings before? What is a typical day like? How stressful is it? LOL I have a lot of questions, but I want to make sure I know what I'd be getting into before I even apply. THANKS!!!

[dianah, ASN]

Hello islandgirl :)

Typically the RNs who work Cath Lab have either an ICU, ED or PACU background.

You might inquire about the requirements of the position in your hospital.

Having only worked Cath Lab or Radiology/Cath Lab, I can't really guess at what a "typical" day would be like in a position "which rotates through GI/Radiology/Cath Lab."

I would venture to say, however, that you'd be doing a lot of moderate sedation, patient monitoring (need to know your rhythms) and possibly post-sedation recovery.

Ask for more details from those who posted the position or from those who work the position now.

Good luck!

[cathlabrn]

I am not sure what your duties are but these departments do require sedation. We are required to have ACLS to give sedation. I have been a cath lab nurse for 8 years and I came from a strong cardiac background. In our cath lab, you need to be a strong,

independant nurse. Many times we manage urgent/emergent situations. I can't imagine doing this job without cardiac background. Even minor procedures or patients in recovery can go bad. I'm sure you're a great nurse. Good Luck!