Cath Lab RN Job Description
A cath lab nurse works in hospitals, private clinics, outpatient care centers and specialized cardiac catheterization labs. In addition to seeing patients for scheduled diagnostic procedures, a cath lab nurse also must be ready to receive a heart attack victim from the emergency room. Serving as an important part of the medical team, a cath lab nurse has specialized responsibilities related to patient care.
Common duties include:
- Patient education
- Monitoring vital signs
- Charting patient information
- Examining the patient before and after the procedure
- Evaluating sedation
- Look for signs of infection
- Prep patients for procedures
- Assist with procedures
- Respond to emergencies
- Provide discharge information
In addition to providing discharge information, one of the most important responsibilities of a cath lab nurse is to teach patients about how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Cath Lab RN Education Requirements
If you want to work a cath lab nurse, you’ll need to begin by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You’ll spend four years in this program, learning inside the classroom and in a practical setting. Common course topics include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
- Biology
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
- Health assessment
- Gerontology
- Nursing leadership
- Community health
You’ll also spend time in clinical rotations in various medical specialties. Some of these include:
- Obstetrics
- Cardiology
- Surgery
- Psychology
- Family medicine
- Neurology
- Internal medicine
After you complete your course work, you’ll need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCEX-RN). Once you’ve practiced as an RN, you can apply for a Cardiac Medicine Certification. You’ll have to take an exam and provide proof that you’ve satisfied contact-care hours with acutely or critically ill adult cardiac patients. This credential will enable you to be proficient as a cath lab nurse. You’ll also be more prepared to answer cath lab interview questions.
Contract length: 3 months
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
Experience:
- Cardiac Cath Lab: 2 years (Required)
Work Remotely:
Source: Indeed.com
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