Cath Lab RNs: QUESTION

[JCRRN]

Hello-

I have been out of the cath lab for 5 years to venture into the medical sales industry. I have decided to return to cath lab nursing because I believe it is my "passion".

Can any of you offer some advice as to what I can do to get up to speed quickly and efficiently? I have a few weeks before starting to brush up on things. Also, it doesn't appear that things have changed too drastically in the past 5 years... is that so?

Any advice would be very appreciated!

Thanks!:)

[mullingsgroup]

edited due to solicitation.

[CCL"Babe", BSN, RN]

I've found that things are changing constantly. Yes, a catheter is still a catheter, but they still have changed.

Interventions are being done with smaller catheters, the stents don't need to be wrapped on and embolization is not as much of an issue. Meds have changed. There are new procedures, angiojets, pressure and filter wires.

With the newer equipment we are doing mre complex procedures that would have gone to the OR. Staged angioplasties are much more common. We are going after lesions we wouldn't have touched.

More peripherals, more aggressive peripherals.

New sealing devices.

Much is the same, but much has changed. You can always check Cath Lab Digest, Medscape and TCT websites for articles.

[JCRRN]

Thanks CCL Babe-

Your infor is VERY helpful.