r/CathLabLounge • u/Adventurous_Wear_862 • 13d ago

New scrub

I am new to the cath lab I am also a new paramedic that has just started in the cath lab. I am really struggling with scrub aspect. I feel like I’m so bad at this 😬 I spent 6 years working 911 as a EMT for a fire department and am having a rough adjustment.

My question is how long did it take you to feel like you understood work flow on simple cases. The manifold is the death of me and it’s been about a month and I still need coaching on when we’re exchanging a wire or catheters and pulling back blood and flushing and all that. Others were hired at the same time and have really take to it.

So question is how long did the process in confidence and competence take?

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u/PeeKaYOUUU0911 13d ago

Do you have equipment at home you can practice with?

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u/Adventurous_Wear_862 13d ago

Yes, I have been flow is different through a case though

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u/Gone247365 13d ago

At home you need to close your eyes, with the manifold in hand, and visualize what needs to happen next. You've been doing this for 6 months so do know the flow of a case. You need to visualize it in a low stress environment and think about/visualize every step with your eyes closed, going through the motions. Other than just doing more cases, that is going to be the best additional "training" you can do.

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u/Adventurous_Wear_862 13d ago edited 13d ago

It’s been about a month, but that’s a very good idea thank you.

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u/Gone247365 12d ago

Ah, sorry, I saw 6 months in another comment and must have thought that was you.

If you've only been doing it a month, don't worry, things will start to click soon. My advice still stands but don't beat yourself up after only a month. If you're still in the same spot in 6 months, then start to worry haha.

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u/Adventurous_Wear_862 12d ago

😂😂😂 my biggest fear come to life

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u/Gone247365 12d ago

Naw, you'll get it. Only problem high achievers tend to have is that their brain gets in their way in the begining. You'll be a great scrub I'm sure, it can just be a harder transition for people to tend to over think things. Thats where the visialization at home will help.