
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 Cath 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.
Necessary Certifications, Credentials and Qualifications
While each healthcare facility has its own specific set of qualifications for Cath Lab RNs, 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.