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...