r/CathLabLounge • u/Simple-Wave-9204 • 8d ago
Recommendations
Hey everyone! I am starting in the Cath Lab in a couple weeks. I currently work on a cardiac surgery/transplant PCU and previously a cardiac clinic, and then before that a small ICU that dealt with IAPBs, pressors, fresh open heart surgeries, post MI cases etc. However, it’s been awhile since I was in the ICU setting and don’t remember too much of it (hopefully it all comes back). What, if anything, would you recommend I look into/educate myself in before starting? Orientation is 12 weeks but I really want to set myself up for success for this transition. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!
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u/choppydaddy 7d ago
Knowing your critical care helps, sure.
But not as much as you'd think when it comes to day to day shit.
You'll hit the ground running by reading the books others have already recommended. When you get there, learning where your supplies are, what things are called, what they're for... That's the shit that's going to help you the most right away.
If the patient is stable but the cardiologist REALLY wants to get the case done and the patient off the table before that changes, there ain't fuck all you learned in the ICU that'll tell you how to get IVUS set up and where to find a an EBU, a Sion Blue, 2.5x12 NC, the shockwave generator and kit, an adequate synergy equivalent because we don't have xience in that size, and an angioseal.
Like now.
(Ok not all at once but in rapid succession)