New to Cardiac Cath Lab

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine Department.

I am an RN with 8 years of clinical experience in the Emergency Department. I have focused my certifications and continuing education in the field of critical care and even obtained a CCRN certification. I earned a position in the Cardiac Cath Lab and I am on day 2 of orientation. It is A TON of new content and a completely new experience from my previous knowledge base. Are there any texts/teaching points/good learning modules that I can use to make the transition a bit less cumbersome? I obviously have a preceptor, BUT I am seeking out my peers as an independent exercise so that I can make things easier on my preceptor as well. Thank you in advance and I hope you guys can help guide me a bit.

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There is a lot to learn in Interventional cardiology, but don't loose heart. You will get there. It is a very cool and rewarding experience.

I am sure there are a lot of books available. Medtronic Academy has some free online educational activities with CEUs that you can start with.

I want to mention that a procedure area operates at a different pace as compared to an inpatient unit, but you coming from ED might be an advantage.

You will learn the different catheters as you go and in no time will be a pro.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine Department.
10 minutes ago, ljo28 said:

There is a lot to learn in Interventional cardiology, but don't loose heart. You will get there. It is a very cool and rewarding experience.

I am sure there are a lot of books available. Medtronic Academy has some free online educational activities with CEUs that you can start with.

I want to mention that a procedure area operates at a different pace as compared to an inpatient unit, but you coming from ED might be an advantage.

You will learn the different catheters as you go and in no time will be a pro.

Good luck!

Thank you for the encouragement. I’ll check out those modules.

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This textbook saved me when I transferred to Cath Lab. I am so glad I had it. My preceptor, a seasoned Cath Lab nurse, still refers to it for answers.

"Topics cover all aspects of the catheterization laboratory including cardiovascular anatomy, radiography, angiography, technical duties of the staff, right and left heart catheterization, PCI, invasive ultrasound, valvuloplasty, hemostasis, pediatric interventions, pharmacology, emergency procedures, and many others."

https://www.amazon.com/Invasive-Cardiology-Manual-Personnel-Learning/dp/076376468X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=395OFWDIUZ156&dchild=1&keywords=invasive+cardiology+a+manual+for+cath+lab+personnel&qid=1592763893&sprefix=invasive+cardi%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine Department.

Thank you very much. I will find this text in second edition and save a few bucks. Looks like an excellent reference though.

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Specializes in Cardiac Cath Lab.

Hi! Welcome to CCL, you're going to love it!

I used Kern's....here's the link

https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/kerns-cardiac-catheterization-handbook-9780323597739.html

Medtronic Academy is also great. GL with the new journey!

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