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Discussion

Question about cross-training into Cath Lab

Hey guys! I’ve been in the OR for the last five years or so, and interviewed for a level 1 trauma center IR job. I have a random question. Anyone here know if any cath labs cross train IR nurses for travel assignments? Tried looking around for other posts but couldn’t find anything.

thank you!

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    • Admin

    My gut feeling is, not likely. Most IR departments are separate from Cardiology. In "the old days" we in IR at a County facility, split staff to provide coverage for routine caths and pacemaker implants, as well as for IR procedures (we were only on call for IR/traumas, not for STEMIs or after-hours caths). In the past 15 or so years, however, I hear the two departments have made the change to separate staff.

    Our local Big Hospital (I don't work there) contracts for per diem cath lab nurses. I assume they go through an agency?

    Sorry I can't provide more info. Let us know what you find out. And, good luck with the new position!

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    • Author

    That’s helpful. I ask because I also interview Monday for an ER position and I know ER nurses can cross train travel into IR and Cath Lab after a couple of years if there are needs. I know my OR background would be super helpful with that.

    Thanks for the response!

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    • Admin

    Lots of flexibility there! Yes, it depends on the facility and policies and support and training. Cool!

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    I work in a Cath Lab/IR position. I interviewed for CL and then was told cross training was mandatory. Also float to Stress Lab. IR is fun, but I like CL better. IR seems more relaxed and easy to me. Except for thrombectomy on strokes, or embolizations on multiple pressors and hemodynamically unstable. Those are fun and I like that challenge. But a STEMI can be just as tense.

    Good luck! I super hope you get it. It is the best nursing unit to ever work in (in my opinion) ?

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    • Author

    Oh, the position is going to be mine if I want it! I was just wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to cross train to cath lab travel I’d you have exp in IR. I know ICU and ER can cross train travel into cath lab. I know my OR background might help too.

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    I've been an ICU/ER nurse for 5 years now, and would definitely feel out of my element on a travel assignment for IR/CL if I didn't have prior experience in those units. It's a steep learning curve. But I'm sure you could stay afloat.

    Why not skip the ER interview and just apply directly for an IR or CL position? OR nursing gives you a leg up because you already circulate and scrub in (maybe).

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    • Author

    I already interviewed for IR and it will be mine if I want it. I’m wondering if it Will be possible to cross train in a travel contract is my question.

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    • Admin
    14 hours ago, jollydogg_RN said:

    I’m wondering if it Will be possible to cross train in a travel contract is my question.

    Extremely unlikely. The purpose of travelers is to fill short term staffing needs. The expectation is that travel nurses are up and running with minimal training beyond the specifics of the unit the contract is for. If you are looking to cross train, you will need to do that as staff prior to traveling.

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    • Author

    I understand what a traveler is. I’ve been traveling the past two years in the OR. I See postings quite often for Cath lab positions that will cross train an ER or ICU nurse. Wondering if it’s the same for IR. That’s my question.

    If I can’t cross train IR to Cath lab with my OR background, it might be more advantageous for me to take the ER position. That’s my thought process.

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