Hi Everyone!I'm currently a SICU nurse and have been for the last year and a half. I've had great experiences and learned so much! However, I've recently received an opportunity to work in the cath lab. As an ICU RN, I've taken care of many post-cath patients and have always had a real interest in working in the cath lab. I am currently in an acute care adult/gero NP program. With that being said, after graduation, I don't necessarily want to work as an ICU NP, but definitely in the inpatient setting. I would like to work with a cardiology group, or something in the realm of cardiology if given the opportunity. My question to those more experienced, is moving from SICU to the cath lab a good move for my future plans? I'm relatively early in my NP program (just started this Spring 2016) and it's part time, so 3 years in total for my MSN. I just don't want to make the move to the cath lab if the experience I gain there wouldn't be considered marketable as a new grad NP (if that makes sense). Any input would be appreciated! Thank you all!
CCLRN99 1 Post Sep 27, 2016 Hello, I've been a cathlab nurse for 2 years. What kind of lab are you going to work in? Is it international? is it a hybrid lab, meaning do they do TAVR (transAorticValveReplacement)? How do you feel about patients crashing? Have you ever defibrilated someone? I was a nurse 6 years(icu,tele agency ER LTACH) before cathlab, probably only defib 4 or so patients. In less than two years of cathlab i've defib 8 patients. How do you feel about large ego cardiologist who can make you feel very small/stupid? Are you an independent study? Do you like a challenge of learning wave forms?How do you feel about oncall/standby...being 30 minutes from the hospital for what ever your lab requires is a huge change.how strong are your hands? Groin management/ hematoma excising is not something you can explain, you just have to feel it...I love the lab, but it can be sink or swim. It really also depends on what type of hosiptal you work in.
