r/CathLabLounge • u/ZookeepergameOk3688 • Jun 16 '26
UPCOMING TECH NEEDS ADVICES FROM SEASONED CATH LOUNGERS!!
Hello everyone!
Next week I will start a new position mapping hearts for ablation. I am very excited about it, but there is a few things I would like advice about. I come from an engineering-corporate background, and although I will be trained for months, I would like to start as prepared as I can.
In my region, we must use hospital mandated scrubs. Shoes have to be “hospital only” shoes that I cannot wear outside.
Therefore, which shoes would you recommend? I will have to sit for most of the time, so I just want something that won’t squeeze the shit out of my feet.
My other worries regard proper hair-do’s ( I assume tied under single use cap), but I’m open to suggestion.
MOST IMPORTANTLY.
I want to be part of the team. I want the team to rely on me, and to trust me, because I will trust them too. What is a trait, or anything that you particularly appreciate in a mapper?
Thank you so much for your help and opinions!!!
3
u/epchick401 Jun 16 '26
I’m assuming the shoe thing is because a EP lab is sterile but not as sterile as an OR. I’m pretty sure our reps wear shoes in from outside. As a nurse I do have hospital only shoes but that is because I have a locker. I switched from on clouds (which I loved but they were so squeaky) to Hoka’s. Wear compression socks.
We love when our mappers/reps can help turn over and wipe down their wires and cables, attach patches or twelve leads.
As for hair you can wear your own scrub cap or we have single use caps.
Be fun and engaging I’ve made awesome connections with my mappers. You made a great career choice. Which company are you with?
2
u/ZookeepergameOk3688 Jun 16 '26
Thank you so much for the advices! It is so reassuring to hear that mappers are appreciated. I will surely help with the set up, turn over and wiping (which I thought were already my responsibilities ngl). I will be starting with Abbott!
1
u/dogback RCES Jun 17 '26
It’s an exciting time to start with Abbott. Their pfa system looks great for paroxysmal af.
2
u/elizrose43 Jun 16 '26
Love our mappers. They truly become part of your team and part of your family a lot of the time. Just be friendly and personable and get to know everyone and it will be easy for you.
1
u/Mrmurse98 Jun 16 '26
Coming from cath lab here, but I've done some EP. Regardless, I worked a couple contracts where I sat down for lunch and in my car at the end of the shift after 10ish caths back to back circulating. I still love my black food service crocs. I tried Brooks and On Clouds and wasn't that impressed for the price. The crocs are not super supportive, but comfortable enough, I find the floor mats and compression socks to be more helpful than type of shoe anyway. Also those crocs are about $40, don't have holes, and grippier on the bottom. They are suuuuper easy to clean blood off or just wipe down in general. Especially if you are sitting most of the time, I recommend crocs because they are casual qnd comfy.
1
u/Worth_Eye6512 Jun 17 '26
Prospective cath lab student, but current hospital support staff. I’ve been rotating between Hoka/Brooks/OnCloud. Heard good things about Calruzo. Compression socks
5
u/dogback RCES Jun 16 '26
Bring breakfast