- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Cardiac cath lab nurse
Cardiac cath lab nurse
A cardiac cath lab nurse works with patients who have catheters inserted into the heart for cardiac conditions or defects.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a cardiac cath lab nurse?
You’ll assist doctors during surgery, and look after patients before and after their procedures.
What you’ll do as a cardiac cath lab nurse
Assessment
You’ll help doctors during cardiac catheterization and other surgical procedures involving the heart.
Education
You’ll teach people how to live healthy lives and reduce their risk of heart disease.
Treatment
You’ll monitor patients and administer medication.
Where you’ll work as a cardiac cath lab nurse
Cardiac cath lab nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Cardiac catheterization labs
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Private clinics
Changing lives in the fast-paced world of cardiac nursing
Cardiac care nurse Michele Santoro and her fellow clinicians at the Yale New Haven Heart and Vascular Center routinely race against time to save lives. In honor of American Heart Month, read on to find out how her innovations combine technology and a human touch to transform cardiovascular care delivery and improve patient outcomes.
How to become a cardiac cath lab nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Get your Cardiac Vascular Nurse Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Take part in a cardiac cath lab training program run by a hospital, usually about six months.
You’re ready to work as a cardiac cath lab nurse!
Cardiac cath lab nurse career resources
Become a member of a cardiac cath lab nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
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