How to Become a Cath Lab RN

As with any other nursing specialty, the first step to becoming a cardiac cath lab RN is to graduate with an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass your NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse.

Gaining Experience: Your Next Move

Transitioning into the catheterization lab requires more than just basic nursing qualifications due to its advanced nature. Healthcare facilities often prefer candidates with substantial experience over fresh graduates.

To pave the way for a cath lab position, Registered Nurses (RNs) frequently accumulate years of experience in high-intensity environments like the Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Alternatively, participating in hospital-based training programs can provide the targeted experience and skills needed for this specialized role.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Cath Lab Nurse

A cardiac cath lab nurse plays a vital role in cardiac catheterization procedures. Their responsibilities encompass patient care before, during, and after procedures. Cath lab nurses also collaborate closely with cardiologists and other team members, often rotating between roles such as scrub, monitor, and circulator. Here’s a breakdown of their key duties:

Pre-Procedure

• Review medical records, test results, and patient information
• Prepare patients for procedures
• Initiate IV lines and administer medications
• Participate in pre-procedure timeouts

During Procedure

• Monitor patient vital signs and status
• Assist with imaging and documentation
• Administer medications as needed
• Respond to emergencies
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including lead aprons, eye protection, gloves, etc.)

Post-Procedure

• Monitor patients for complications
• Provide education and support to patients and families

Necessary Certifications, Credentials and Qualifications

While each healthcare facility has its own specific set of qualifications for RNs working in the cath lab, some requirements are standard across the board. These requirements include:

• An active RN license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications
• Nursing experience, with a preference for critical care experience

Beyond the basic qualifications, some healthcare facilities also look for these more advanced items:

• Proficiency in cardiology procedures, medications, and devices
• Knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, hemodynamic, and rhythm interpretation
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

To view our cath lab RN job opportunities, visit our job board or contact us.