CathMarkRN

Learning to work in the Cath Lab as a per diem is difficult. You need the time and repetition to get it down. I started as a per diem and found I needed to go part time to finally get comfortable.

Our lab norms are 0.80-1.2

In my hospitak in NJ the pay is the same based on years of experience. Cath Lab nurses do make a lot extra for on call and call backs...

Thats a great way to remember it...thanks

Digital pressure is a very safe way to seal compliant patients who are not in a hurry to get off there back and out of the hospital. During PTCA you don't have that option because of platelets drugs that are given. But then again those patient are staying in the hospital a day or so anyway...

It the lab I work in we prep, circulate and do the initial recovery. The patient develop-es a relationship and trust with you and this seems to work well. I wouldn't recommend a new nurse to start in a CCL because of the many technical info you need to learn. You need to be ACLS certified and know how to use it. You have to be on your toes at times and think ahead. During angioplasty things get hectic and you need to work fast as well as be accurate in what you are doing. If you were to spend 6 months to a year on a nursing floor doing cardiac then the transition to the lab should go well... Good luck!

And don't forget your ACT...

Decent patient ratios...

What did he weight? 10 mgs to start is a low dose...20 is more a standard dose...

See this movie: Something the Lord Made http://www.hbo.com/films/stlm/ Lillian Thomas is my hero... http://www.hbo.com/films/stlm/shareyourstory/index.html

So what are considered contact hours ie CEU's? I take Pals and Instruct ACLS every two years. PALS comes with a 15 CEU certificate. Thanks Mark

It seems CAD risk factors have been stated over and over in the media. I find it hard to believe most people don't already know the risk factors. How many times have people heard the following: Don't smoke Low fat diets, take a stain drug for lipid issues Control Hypertension, control Na intake and take BP meds as indicated exercise Lose weight Get regular checkups

I don't know of any Cardiologists who check ear creases. I don't believe it to be the "single greatest predictor"... It may have some validity, but not a mainstream measurement for MI. I bet belly creases have some validity too...:lol:

Under NJ law all critical care patients must go with at least one licensed RN. Where I worked all had an extensive backgrounds. What state did this occur? If you felt the care would be inadequate maybe you should of referred the issue to a supervisor etc...