It could go from 1 case to forever, 7a - whenever cases are done. Very rewarding as long as you are w the right team and Doctor. Go for it !
Cath Lab is very team based environment. The nurse role depends on the size lab you work in. I’ve worked in large multi room facilities and smaller single room hospitals. The techs and other nurses make or break how much you’ll like it. In the larger hospital Cath labs you basically meet the patient in the prep area, pick up a handoff/work up sheet and get them on the table as fast as possible. Example Hi how are you?, ok let’s get you on the monitor. There’s the MD, “Time Out” here come the cocktails. ok done and back to recovery you go. Next patient. In smaller Cath labs you do the whole process and get to know the patients more. From calling the patient the day before, reviewing charts for MD orders, prior labs, and current H&P. The day of you start the IV, chart an admit assessment including meds and consent for the procedure. Then you take the patient in the room and do the procedure. After the procedure you recover the patient (do post education manage access site radial or groin) and send them home. Call is the part of the job that can break even the best of us. Sometimes you work hard all day and then as soon as you leave the pager goes off. And back to the hospital you go.
I work in a lab 4 person team for both regular and callbacks. Call can be brutal depending upon the requirements, hours you get called etc. Some doctors will call you in for regular cases on holidays and weekends. it’s my 25 year of cath lab
I agree with some of the other answers-depends on how big the facility is, and the people on your team. I enjoyed the diagnostic part, looking on the 'films' to see if there are blockages that can be stented. If the Doc decides to place a stent, you may need to rapidly prep for stent-pulling different meds, opening sterile supplies for the procedure table, giving oral meds to the patient, etc.
Some teams can alternate being on call, including weeknights. When you are on call, you may have to stay 'late' to finish diagnostic procedures, or stay late when you are not on call.
No experience
Well, it depends on your docs and their scheduled procedures. Cath lab can be exceptionaly busy or that "Q" word. Usually not an awful lot of patient contact as you sedate them as soon as they get on the table. Lunches... You get them most days. May not be at noon tho.
I loved the lab. I did cardiac cath, vascular cases and EP. Busy all the time. Don't forget about the call! Not a favorite.
