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What Does a Cardiac Catheter Laboratory Nurse Do?

Cardiac catheterization is the insertion of a small, flexible tube into an artery or vein, which is then threaded up to the heart to examine the coronary arteries. Cardiac catherization is used to take angiograms, record blood flow, and evaluate the strength of the heart, among other things. Cardiac catheter laboratory nurses prepare the patient and equipment, administer medication as needed, assist the physician with the procedure, and help operate laboratory equipment.

Education & Training Required to Become a Cardiac Catheter Laboratory Nurse

To become a cardiac catheter laboratory nurse, you need to earn an associate's degree in nursing or complete a diploma program through a hospital, and you need to pass the national licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN. For the best promotion opportunities, it's a good idea to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), and if you already work as a nurse, it's possible to earn your BSN through an online degree program. While there are no cardiac catheter laboratory nursing degree programs, you can choose to earn certification in cardiac catheterization.

Typical Characteristics of a Cardiac Catheter Laboratory Nurse

As in all nursing jobs, cardiac catheter nurses must be detail-oriented, good communicators, and good with people, since they are dealing with patients who are undergoing a sometimes-intimidating procedure. Even though there are no specific degree programs in cardiac catheter laboratory nursing, nurses must enjoy learning to stay on top of developments in their field and its related technology.

High Demand for Cardiac Catheter Laboratory Nurses

With heart disease as the number one killer in the United States, tests that can discern the state of a person's heart health are vital. Add to this the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts much faster than average job growth for nurses between 2008 and 2018, meaning that job prospects should be good for those with the right education. The average salary for nurses in the United States is $62,450, and earning a certification or credential may lead to salary growth.