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Oil companies is the Middle East (Saudia Arabia, UAE) hire nurses for various specialities. The jobs are in hospitals owned by the company and usually year along contract.

Over the last sixteen years, I have worked in Cath/EP lab in various types of facilities. Typically, EP procedures are longer compared to many structural cardiac like stenting a coronary. A simple pacemaker can be done under a hour. But procedures such as atrial fib ablations may take 3-5 hrs. I have been in VT ablations that lasted 10 hrs. I prefer shorter and more exciting procedures like STEMIs. EP is more intellectual in my opinion. Hope this helps! Skip

Good luck and wishes for your success! My attempt at anesthesia school showed me your previous experiences don't count for much. Maintain your confidence despite what your preceptors and instructors throw at you! I lost mine-they will smell your fear.

Hospitals will allow older MDs to practice, but they will find reasons to let older nurses go-too expensive.

I was in school who brought lawyers into negotiate finishing their program. They had leverage on the school for inappropriate relationships btw faculty and students. Several students w/similar situations talked to lawyer, but the suit lacked merit based on the lawyer opinion. Many lives were damaged psychologically and financially. There were clinical preceptor from the school who were afraid to speak up b/c of retribution. You can only take so much abuse.

Hi, I worked at UW in the Cath lab. Very busy heart transplant program. Downside pay less than Swedish and overlake. The WSNA website has contract and pay for RNs based on years exp by hospital. Commuting is big factor to consider. Let know if you have other questions! Scott

That's why I left ICU many years ago. Some doctors at teaching facilities won't people go. Many times, it doesn't change the outcome and prolongs loved ones pain. My parents both died from invasive cancers w/Mets and spent their last peaceful hours in hospice facility.

Hi, I have spent the last 15 years providing moderate sedation to cardiac cath and interventional radiology patients. The doctors take the highest dose of radiation because of their position next to patient. Most common problems they experience are cataracts,and hand boney changes . As others have mentioned, dosimeter badges are provided- rarely do personnel get even close to max (I think it's 3000 gray) mine is usually 400/month. Some MD don't wear their badges. Other use all the protection. Shielding, time, and distance are key factors.

My wife went through Walden for her BSN. No test or clinicals, just weekly posts and papers .

There are companies such as Medical Solutions which offer help with BSN completion. Most online programs are a good fit as long as you do your homework. Good luck, Skip

It happens if you give it too fast! Skip

I really like the team and the patients. It's a nice break from doing Caths and pacers all day. I enjoy working with radiologists better because most are less high strung. I've experienced many areas of nursing..procedural is far the best fit for me. Skip

We were taught in nursing school that females should wear hose with scrub dresses in the OR. It prevents perineal fallout!

I appreciate how you felt during your transition. Switched to cath lab about 15 yrs ago. Recently moved to the coast from the Midwest. Changing to chaotic cath lab with younger personnel. I knew the job but it was different team feeling. I was told that I was slow and not catching on. They transferred me to the separate EP lab. It's possible to learn new things in a hostile environment. You have lot of knowledge to offer. Ask questions. I did 12 yrs of ICU, Burns, and ED nursing b4. Procedural nursing is very different but focus on your pt. there are times when I don't exactly know what going on, but focus on how your patient is tolerating or not. best wishes, Skip

I would talk to an arm or Air Force recruiter specifically for nurse anesthesia . I remember that was a big recruiting tool to get ICU nurses in. The competition was fierce for admission to the chosen. You can get into an anesthesia school then talk to a recruiter. That way you might get school paid for, of course with a service obligation. Good luck on your career!