Cath Lab Transfer ???

Skip219, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2012

Just want to get feedback on the pros and cons working in the Cath Lab. This AM after shift endorsement my DON just asked me if I want to transfer from CVICU to Cath Lab since there is an immediate opening but I told her I want to think about it but told her I really want to get in CVOR. But I am curious the pros and cons working at the CL from hours, adjustment from CVICU to risk of radiation, work load, etc.. . Appreciate all feedback.. Thanks

Hi,

I worked in the cath lab for approx 13 years. I enjoyed the teamwork and the ability to care for one patient at a time. The emergency patients are stressful and exciting at the same time. You see a different side of MDs in the lab. You gain an incredible amount of knowledge regarding CV anatomy and physiology. There is a great deal of knowledge about the role of cath lab RN that you acquire, so you don't get stagnant in your job. Your knowledge of pressors and ACLS is very helpful. The nurse spends alot of time explaining the procedures to pts, reason for medications. Many labs require you to adminster conscious sedation to your pts. The cons are: wearing lead protection/standing for 6-8 hrs of 10-12 hr shift. Some procedures can be drawn out, so the schedule gets backed up. If you are on call, then you will get to stay for the late and emergency cases. Your primary shift is days, but you will work all shifts when on call. Another side of CL is Electrophysiology lab: you either love it or tolerate it. EP studies, tilt studies, Pacemakers, ICD insertions and Ablations. Some of the latter are done under general anesthesia. Depending on the skills of the Electrophysilogist, these procedures can take many hrs.

In the CVOR, the circulator nurse provides supplies, surgical counts , and helps coordinate things. The patient contact is minimal: meet and greet in preop and again in OR just before going to sleep. Sorry if I minimize a role I have only outside awareness of.

I hope this helps,

Skip

jd74_RN · Jun 2, 2012

Skip, appreciate your time and comment. All are informative and helpful. You must like it staying there for 13 years! WOW! I am just concern about the radiation effect long term I heard it not good at all. Thanks again!

Skip219, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2012

Just want to get feedback on the pros and cons working in the Cath Lab. This AM after shift endorsement my DON just asked me if I want to transfer from CVICU to Cath Lab since there is an immediate opening but I told her I want to think about it but told her I really want to get in CVOR. But I am curious the pros and cons working at the CL from hours, adjustment from CVICU to risk of radiation, work load, etc.. . Appreciate all feedback.. Thanks

Hi,

I am glad it was helpful. As far as the radiation exposure, you learn that distance, time, and shielding are how your risk is reduced. Many cardiologists I worked with, didnt wear their radiation badges. OSHA requires your radiation dose is monitored and if your dose get greater than 300-500 mREMs (sp) then you take a vacation in the procedure room. I have never seen anyone get close to these numbers. The tricky part is for CV techs/scrub nurses who are pregnant-the 1st trimester the exposure threshold are low because its tetrogenic. Then after this period, extra lead is worn and extra radiations are used.

Hope this answers the rest of your questions,

Skip

jd74_RN · Jun 4, 2012

Thanks again Skip for your insights. I will take the info you have given when I get called in for interview. Appreciate your time.

Flyboy17 · Jun 4, 2012

I moved from the E.D. to the cath lab 2 years and love it. My skills and knowledge has done nothing but increase. Cath Lab people seem to be the best to work with. In our lab call time can get old and wear you down however it is nice to be on call for holidays and weekends than it is to know that you must work. I would recommend that you learn to scrub as well.

jd74_RN · Jun 4, 2012

thank you flyboy17 for your comment. i will keep those points in mind..have a good day..