Cath Lab questions

For unit experience, it depends who you talk to. My fiance (cath lab RN) worked CSCU recovering hearts, while some of his co-workers worked MICU. On the other hand, I worked step down and had no problems entering a cath lab position.

Typical call to respond is 30min to meet door to balloon time. I have heard of some hospitals hiring staff who reside >30min away, but excluding them from the call team. This may be an option if amount of staff isn't an issue.

Remember to sell yourself! High energy with a positive attitude and motivation to learn goes FAR!

Best of luck to you!!!!

I was hired into the cath lab after 10 years of ED experience but my co-workers came from ICU/CCU and step down units. We have a 30 minute call response time as we are a credentialed Chest Pain Center with door-to-balloon times of under 90 minutes. If you live 40 minutes away you may ask about being partnered with someone who lives closer who would be agreeable to setting up the room and receiving the patient until your arrival. Also, would it be possible to occasionally spend nights closer to the hospital with friends or family? Our call is usually 1 night a week Mon-Thur and every 4th weekend. We are paid $2.20/hr on call with time and a half for call outs. Good luck!

ED experience is helpful here, as well as living close to the hospital. Good luck.