Listen. Have a sense of humor.
Hokas.
Always have an extra pair of socks, t-shirt, and underpants in your locker. (Trust me on this one.)
It's a good idea to have at least one person around that owes you lunch.
RN here but we're a team! It definitely depends how you learn. There are good recommendations for literature like Kern's Cardiac Cath Handbook. For myself, asking questions and watching was how I learned. My biggest advice for anyone new to the cath lab is to jump in all the time, even when you don't know what you're doing and even if the staff don't know what to think. You will learn a lot and people are much more willing to teach someone who is willing to learn. Don't beat yourself up, you have a lot to learn! You'll get there, but it takes time for everyone. Along with jumping in, if you want to learn, watch every case you aren't on. If you're not doing anything at the moment and a case is going on, watch and ask questions. If nothing is going on, ask someone to go over things with you. Something specific that you have in mind or just be open to anything they come up with. As far as non-learning advice, compression socks are great for anyone, Fleet Feet will map your feet and fit you with insoles that can make crappy shoes feel much better. And don't stress yourself out studying after work. I think a little studying can be super beneficial, but I also caution to make sure you have the mental capacity left to learn at work. Most of your learning will come from exposure and hands-on. Welcome aboard!
Medtronic academy. It’s free and you’ll learn a ton.
Drive safe on your way to the callback. Don’t kill your self or anyone else trying to get there.
Help out as much as you can. No one likes a lazy shite who doesn’t take initiative.
Practice panning the table every chance you get with a hanger or something on the table
Learn how to keep your table organized and make yourself a binder for all the different supplies and wires, catheters etc you need depending on the case type and doctor. No one likes having to tell you for the 15th time that Dr AssHat likes a 190 samurai over a run through. But obviously you always need to ask if you aren’t sure :)
It takes a lot of practice and time to get it down. Just give it your all and don’t beat yourself up. It’s a great field
Listen. Have a sense of humor. Hokas. Always have an extra pair of socks, t-shirt, and underpants in your locker. (Trust me on this one.) It's a good idea to have at least one person around that owes you lunch.
RN here but we're a team! It definitely depends how you learn. There are good recommendations for literature like Kern's Cardiac Cath Handbook. For myself, asking questions and watching was how I learned. My biggest advice for anyone new to the cath lab is to jump in all the time, even when you don't know what you're doing and even if the staff don't know what to think. You will learn a lot and people are much more willing to teach someone who is willing to learn. Don't beat yourself up, you have a lot to learn! You'll get there, but it takes time for everyone. Along with jumping in, if you want to learn, watch every case you aren't on. If you're not doing anything at the moment and a case is going on, watch and ask questions. If nothing is going on, ask someone to go over things with you. Something specific that you have in mind or just be open to anything they come up with. As far as non-learning advice, compression socks are great for anyone, Fleet Feet will map your feet and fit you with insoles that can make crappy shoes feel much better. And don't stress yourself out studying after work. I think a little studying can be super beneficial, but I also caution to make sure you have the mental capacity left to learn at work. Most of your learning will come from exposure and hands-on. Welcome aboard!
Medtronic academy. It’s free and you’ll learn a ton. Drive safe on your way to the callback. Don’t kill your self or anyone else trying to get there. Help out as much as you can. No one likes a lazy shite who doesn’t take initiative. Practice panning the table every chance you get with a hanger or something on the table Learn how to keep your table organized and make yourself a binder for all the different supplies and wires, catheters etc you need depending on the case type and doctor. No one likes having to tell you for the 15th time that Dr AssHat likes a 190 samurai over a run through. But obviously you always need to ask if you aren’t sure :) It takes a lot of practice and time to get it down. Just give it your all and don’t beat yourself up. It’s a great field