Cardiac Catheter Lab Nursing
Learn More about Cardiac Catheter Lab Nursing
Cardiac catheterization (cath) lab nurses care for heart disease and heart attack patients. Cardiac catheterization itself refers to the insertion of a catheter into a heart chamber or vessel for either diagnostic or intervention purposes. Nurses in the cardiac catheter lab assist doctors in performing such procedures, and some cardiac cath lab nurses may assist with coronary catheterization.
Preparation Path
Get your BSN
Pass the NCLEX and become an RN
Get your cardiac vascular nursing certification (RN-BC)
Participate in a cardiac cath lab training program through your hospital
Typical Tasks
- Helping to execute interventional procedures such as pacemakers, catheters, or stents
- Monitoring vital signs
- Managing patient status changes
- Responding to emergency situations
- Assisting in preparing the patient diagnosis report
Employment Settings
- Hospitals
- Private or government clinics
Annual Salary Range
$73,502 – $90,002
Certification
RN, plus Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (RN-BC) — must be renewed every five years
Education Requirements
BSN
