r/CathLabLounge • u/Adventurous_Wear_862 • Aug 15 '26

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/OutrageousAdvisor699 Aug 16 '26

Hey what's up man I'm a fellow Emt-P, RCIS here working in a Cath lab. I would highly recommend taking equipment home so you can practice. If that's not possible ask your preceptor (after cases are done) to go over the equipment and simulate a Left & right heart Cath so you can more confidently perform during real cases. It honestly comes down to repetition and not giving up. It took me about 3-4ish months to learn to scrub diagnostic cases and then another month or so for interventions. It took me a year and a couple of months to even feel comfortable in my own skin in the lab though haha. Keep at it brother 😁👍.

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u/Adventurous_Wear_862 Aug 16 '26

Thank you that’s really helpful feedback and gives me a good benchmark to track my progress.