How long does it take to become a Cath Lab nurse

As a hiring manager for the Cardiac Cath and Electrophysiology Labs, a nurse must have at least 2 years of Adult Critical Care experience, preferably CICU or CTICU. Depending on the hospital you are applying too, the Cath Lab core staffing may include 1 RN and 2 techs or 2 RN's and 1 tech per lab. In the middle of the night for STEMI calls, you can be the only RN in the room and must be able to respond quickly, confidently and safely to (often) crashing patients. The Cath Lab is not the place to learn critical care. You need to be technically savvy in order to set-up and operate Impella, Tandem heart, IABP, power injectors, and an abundance of monitoring equipment as well. You will learn fluoroscopy angles, coronary anatomy, cardiac conductivity and the function of all the different catheters, guide wires and stents. You need to be able to tolerate standing in on spot, sometimes for 5-7 hours when scrubbing into procedures and all while wearing a lead skirt and vest. Getting hired into a high volume, STEMI center Cath Lab is a relatively streamlined process coming from an ICU. However, to become proficient in all the things a busy program requires and offers can take a few years. I love the Cath Lab and I love when a RN or Tech is excited to join the team! All the best to you as you pursue your goal.