travel cath lab rn salary

Cath Lab Nursing: In-Demand Specialty for Travel Nursing Jobs

The leading cause of death in the United States population is heart disease. Among the most effective procedures for cardiovascular disease are those performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, where cath lab nurses are integral members of the team.

Cath lab nurses assess patients, assist with procedures and monitor recovering patients. They are frequently responsible for administering sedation and work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team.

Cardiovascular disease accounts for over $350 billion in total costs, over $215 billion in direct costs. As a result, hospitals are dedicating an increasing amount of their budgets to cardiac care units, which perform over 1,000,000 catheterizations per year , as well as additional procedures. In combination with a national nursing shortage , there is a rapidly increasing demand for experienced cath lab nurses.

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What is a Cath Lab Nurse?

Cath lab nurses are part of the team that provides cardiac catheterizations, as well as other diagnostic procedures and interventions, for patients being assessed or treated for cardiovascular disease.

Their responsibilities start as soon as the patient arrives at the cardiac cath lab, when they will examine the patient and monitor them ahead of their procedure. They are responsible for providing medications, educating, monitoring and recording vital signs. They act as an advocate for the patient.

Cath lab nurse duties can include:

• Examine and assess patient prior to catheterization and other procedures
• Assist in diagnostic and interventional procedures
• Administer patient medications and sedation
• Maintain patient charts and documentation
• Monitor for adverse signs indicating emergent situations
• React to emergency needs
• Circulate and scrub during cardiac cath lab procedures
• Examine and assess patient after catheterization and other procedures
• Educate patients and families, including instruction for medication, diet and exercise

Cath lab nurses work in hospital and cardiac specialty center cardiac cath labs. There are also cath lab nursing opportunities in private clinics. Most procedures are scheduled, which generally offers cath lab nurses the ability to work regular hours. However, they are generally assigned on-call hours and must be available for emergent situation.

Cath Lab Nurse Salary & Job Growth Potential

The highly specific duties of cath lab nurses and the essential nature of the services they provide has led to cath lab nurses being among the most highly compensated nurse specialties available to Registered Nurses.

According to ZipRecruiter , the average annual pay for a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse in the United States is $122,190, with salaries as high as $164,000 being paid in some locales. Earnings are determined by a number of factors, including the amount of experience and education an individual nurse possesses and the location of the facility.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse in the United States is $122,190.

Compensation for cath lab nurses includes benefits like health care and vacation time. Cath lab nurses will also earn shift differentials for hours that they work on-call, as well as overtime pay.

Top Paying Cities for Cath Lab Nurses in 2021

According to Indeed.com , here are the best paying cities for case management nurses in 2021:

• Los Angeles, CA: $141,097 per year
• Chicago, IL: $140,202 per year
• Atlanta, GA: $138,245 per year
• Columbia, MO: $127,841 per year
• Phoenix, AZ: $127,834 per year

Talk to a recruiter about available cath lab travel nursing assignments!

Cath Lab Nurse Education Requirements, Certifications & Professional Groups

Cath lab nurses require highly specialized skills. As a result the position is generally reserved for nurses who also have extensive experience as an NCLEX-RN , in addition to an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Most hospitals prefer that cath lab nurses have a high level of competence in cardiac care or experience working in an intensive care unit.

Cath lab nurses should be certified in advanced cardiac life support . Additional certifications and experience may be required by potential employers, including knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, hemodynamic and rhythm interpretation. Nursing interested in the cath lab should also have the Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification or the Cardiac Medicine Certification. Most importantly, cath lab nurses need both didactic education and hands-on experience working in the cath lab. This direct experience is best obtained through training programs offered by their employers. These programs provide the highly specific knowledge that cath lab nurses need in order to be able to work independently in a cath lab environment.

Nurses who choose to work in the cardiac cath lab will gain invaluable knowledge, support, and networking opportunities through membership in a variety of professional associations, including the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, The American Nurses Association Society for Vascular Nursing and the American College of Cardiology Foundation . Additional resources include the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing and the Cath Lab Digest .

The Pros and Cons of Being a Cath Lab Nurse

Pros of cath lab nursing.

• Satisfaction of working collaboratively to help patients to improve
• Ability to work regular shifts
• Job provides the opportunity to work in a highly structured, predictable environment

Cons of Cath Lab Nursing

• Frequently required to work on-call hours
• Shifts can be long and require many hours of standing
• Some risk of health problems from exposure to radiation

Nursing as a Travel Cath Lab Nurse

Cath lab nurses must be able to fulfill basic nursing care while at the same time assisting physicians with highly specialized procedures. The job requires attention to details and the ability to focus, as well as a strong interest in advocating for patients who are undergoing procedures that evoke feelings of anxiety, depression and fear. Cath lab nurses are with their patients before, during and after their procedures, providing both reassurance and education. These skills are both highly prized and highly mobile, which means cath lab nursing is a specialty well-suited to travel nursing.

Travel cath lab nurses are able to fit into new work environments easily, with little time needed to learn the unique procedures of an individual lab. Additionally, their presence is appreciated, especially in short-staffed cath labs.

Travel cath lab nurses receive generous pay that is enhanced with tax-advantaged bonuses, as well as housing and travel allowances that add appeal to the opportunity to visit new and exciting locales.

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Cath Lab Travel Nurse Jobs: A Comprehensive Overview

Table of Contents

Ever wondered what it's like to be a Cath Lab Travel Nurse, or perhaps you're interested in learning about the benefits, salary expectations, and future outlook of this career path? This comprehensive article provides an in-depth look into the world of Cath Lab Travel Nursing, discussing the role and responsibilities associated with it, the perks of choosing it as a career, insights into the current job market including salary trends and job growth prediction, and advice on how to get started in this field. Read on to find out more.

Introduction to Cath Lab Travel Nursing

Travel nursing, especially in specialized fields like the catheterization lab or 'cath lab,' is becoming increasingly popular. A cath lab travel nurse has the unique opportunity to travel across healthcare facilities and gain exposure to a variety of cardiac care procedures, while also enjoying a competitive salary and additional benefits.

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What is Cath Lab Nursing?

A cath lab travel nurse specializes in assisting with cardiac catheterization procedures in a catheterization lab. These procedures are critical for diagnosing and treating heart diseases, and the role of a cath lab nurse is tremendously significant in the cardiac care unit.

Role and Responsibilities of a Cath Lab Nurse

A Cath lab travel nurse's primary roles include assisting doctors during cardiac catheterization procedures, providing patient care before and after procedures, keeping a close monitoring on patient's vital signs, and educating patients about the process. Their job description also includes travelling to different healthcare facilities as required.

Benefits of Being a Cath Lab Travel Nurse

Becoming a cath lab travel nurse has many tangible and intangible benefits beyond monetary compensation, ranging from exploration opportunities to networking and skill enhancement.

Exploration and Flexibility

One of the primary perks of being a cath lab travel nurse is the ability to explore different regions while on the job. This flexibility not only makes the job exciting but also allows nurses to choose their preferred work setting.

Skill Enhancement

Traveling to various healthcare facilities exposes cath lab nurses to diverse procedures and technologies, enhancing their skills and expertise. Plus, with specialty certifications, the earning potential can significantly increase.

Networking Opportunities

Travel nursing offers abundant opportunities to meet healthcare professionals from diverse specialties and regions. This network can prove beneficial for future job prospects and professional growth.

Insights into Salary Expectations

Cath lab travel nurse salary expectations can be influenced by various factors, ranging from geographic location to experience and specialty certifications.

Average Salary of a Cath Lab Travel Nurse

Average total cash compensation for these nurses has been observed to be consistently competitive. While the average travel nurse salary can vary greatly based on the above-mentioned factors, the cath lab travel nurse salary is often higher due to the specialization and skills required.

Factors Influencing Salary

Several factors influence a cath lab travel nurse's salary. These include the state of employment, as pay rates differ by region, years of experience, specialty certifications, and the healthcare facilities' demand for these positions.

Comparison with Traditional Cath Lab Nursing

When compared to regular staff nurses, the pay rates for cath lab travel nurses are typically higher. This difference is because the travel nursing positions often include housing allowances and other perks, making the overall compensation package more attractive.

Overview of the Jobs Market for Cath Lab Travel Nurses

The cath lab travel nurse job outlook appears promising, with a steady rise in demand predicted in the coming years.

Current Industry Trends

The current industry trends show a high demand for cath lab travel nurse jobs due to an aging population and increased prevalence of heart diseases. Trusted nurse staffing agencies report an uptick in cath lab travel nurse positions.

Projected Job Growth and Demand

With the rising incidence of heart diseases and the expanding healthcare sector, the job growth rate for cath lab travel nurses is anticipated to be higher than the average growth rate for other nursing specialties.

Opportunities by Region

Salary expectations and job opportunities for cath lab travel nurses can significantly differ by region. Some states are known as the highest paying states for these positions, which can also influence the demand and job prospects for cath lab travel nurses.

Future Outlook for Cath Lab Travel Nurse Industry

The cath lab travel nurse job outlook is incredibly promising. According to healthcare professionals in the industry, the demand for cath lab travel nurse jobs is expected to rise significantly. As technology advances and cardiac care becomes more sophisticated, the need for skilled, qualified cath lab travel nurses grows. As a cath lab travel nurse, you have the opportunity to perform a wide variety of cardiac catheterization procedures.

Impact of Global Health Crises on Job Market

Health crises such as pandemics have a profound impact on healthcare facilities. Increasingly, these facilities depend on the skills and expertise of travel nurses, including cath lab travel nurses, to provide quality, professional care to patients in need. Specialized cardiac care unit roles such as the cath lab nurse have come to the limelight, answering the call where patient load surges, often caring for those with complex cardiac health concerns.

Technological Developments and Their Impact

A key factor shaping the cath lab travel nurse job outlook is technological advancements. Specifically, innovation in cardiac cath lab procedures and equipment allows cath lab nurses to aid in more complex procedures. For instance, the rise of robotic-assisted procedures has called for close monitoring and specialized skills that highlight the importance of cath lab travel nurses.

Predicted Industry Changes and Trends

The increasing job growth rate in the cardiac cath lab nursing industry also points to a few trends. As more facilities realize the economic and patient-care benefits of hiring travel nurses, more cath lab travel nurse positions will likely become available. Additionally, a trend toward greater specialisation in nursing suggests an increase in specialty certifications and higher pay rates for cath lab travel nurses.

How to Get Started in Cath Lab Travel Nursing

Essential qualifications and experience.

To pursue the career path of a cath lab travel nurse, completing your registered nursing license is a start. Further, obtaining a few years of experience as a staff nurse, ideally in the cardiac care or intensive care unit, is crucial. Several healthcare institutions also require their cath lab travel nurses to possess additional certifications relevant to cardiac catheterization interventions, enhancing their earning potential further.

Tips for Job Hunting

When looking for cath lab travel nurse jobs, trusted nurse staffing agencies should be your go-to resource. These agencies have established relationships with various healthcare facilities and can guide you towards rewarding assignments. Continuously updating your professional profile with new experiences, specialty certifications, and updated skills can also make a significant difference.

Preparing for Life on the Road as a Travel Nurse

As an aspiring cath lab travel nurse, preparing for the nomadic lifestyle is key. Part of this preparation involves researching your prospective destinations, understanding the associated living costs, and creating a financial plan to help you manage your income effectively.

Wrapping Up: The Promise of Cath Lab Travel Nursing

As a cath lab travel nurse, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives, while earning a competitive salary that is often higher than the average travel nurse salary. As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for this specialized nursing role is likely to grow further, promising a bright career outlook for aspiring cath lab travel nurses.

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Salary of a Cath Lab Nurse

And Salary.com says that the average Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse salary in the United States was $71,102 as of February 2020. But the salary range for these nurses typically falls between $66,002 and $77,002, depending on a variety of factors.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for all RNs is expected to be faster than average, with an increase of 15% projected in the decade spanning 2016 to 2026. This growth will translate into many career opportunities for cath lab nurses who want to travel.

If you want hundreds of available cath lab jobs at your fingertips, then cath lab travel nursing jobs should be at the top of your list. A Cath Lab travel nurse salary will almost definitely be higher than a permanent cath lab nurse salary at a standard hospital, all with day one benefits and the satisfaction of choosing your own journey.

Read More About Cath Lab Travel Nursing Requirements from the links below.

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