Travel Cath Lab Director Jobs
Cath Lab Directors, typically under the direction of a medical director, is responsible for directing and managing the daily operations of a cardiac catherization laboratory. They are responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate staffing levels, training staff, and managing staff performance. In addition, they will supervise and coordinate departmental budgeting and oversee departmental operations, including quality assurance.
Travel nursing can be an exciting and rewarding career, especially for those who are excited about experiencing new places and meeting new people. There are many benefits to working as a cath lab director or manager, such as an increased income, professional development opportunities, and gaining experience in areas outside of your own geographic region.
Travel Cath Lab Director FAQ
How Much Do Cardiac Cath Lab Directors Make?
The average salary of a Cath Lab Director can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience, and the specific responsibilities of the role. According to data from online job and salary platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Payscale, the average salary for a Cath Lab Director in the United States is estimated to be between $100,000 and $130,000 per year. However, those with substantial experience or in highly specialized roles could potentially earn a higher salary.
What Does a Cardiac Cath Lab Director Do?
A cardiac cath lab director is a senior healthcare professional who oversees the operations of a hospital's cardiac catheterization lab. This lab is where procedures such as angiograms and stents are performed to diagnose and treat heart diseases. The primary responsibilities of a cath lab director include managing department staff, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, overseeing patient care, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals for advanced procedures. Cath lab directors may also be required to have knowledge of operating room procedures and protocol. They also play a critical role in strategic planning, budgeting, and maintaining the highest standards of care within the lab health system. As leaders, they are responsible for fostering a positive environment that promotes teamwork and continuous learning.
How to Become a Cardiac Cath Lab Travel Director?
Education & License Requirements
To work as a cardiac cath lab director in a hospital or medical center, registered nurses must complete their associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing and take the National Council Licensure Exam NCLEX -RN Exam, which is a requirement to practice as an RN in the United States. Once the NCLEX exam is passed and you meet the board of nursing license requirements in your state, gaining clinical experience is an essential next step, preferably in a cardiac care or catheterization lab setting. This experience allows individuals to develop the specific skills and knowledge needed in a cath lab environment.
Following several years of clinical experience, registered nurses often pursue a graduate degree, such as a Master's in Health Administration (MHA) or a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on healthcare management. These programs provide the advanced skills in leadership, finance, and strategic planning that are crucial for a Director role.
Given the nature of their role, Cardiac Cath Lab Directors should have significant experience in cardiology and healthcare management, and they often possess advanced certifications relevant to cardiac care.
Certifications
Supplementing the education path, obtaining certifications such as Certified Cardiac-Vascular Nurse (RN-BC), Cardiac Cath Lab Certification (CCLC), or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) can demonstrate specialized knowledge in cardiac care.
How Do Pay Packages work for Travel Nursing Jobs?
While compensation offers can vary greatly depending on the contract or agency offering, pay packages for travel nurse jobs typically have four major components: hourly taxable wages, meals and incidentals, housing, and travel.
Hourly Pay
Full-time nurses working at healthcare facilities receive a salary, but most travel nurse employers offer hourly wages. Every pay package must include a taxable hourly wage, and the amount can vary depending on the shift, location, and specialty required of the assignment.
Housing
Housing payments can be included in a payment from a staffing agency. This is typically offered in two ways. Either the company is providing housing, or the traveler is taking the housing stipend. It is more beneficial for the traveler to take the housing stipend for two primary reasons. First, they will have a choice in where they stay. Everyone’s definitions of comfortable and acceptable are different. The second reason the housing stipend is more beneficial for them is that it can be given as a nontaxable amount.
Meals and Incidentals
Also known as per diems, meal and incidental stipends provide a daily budget for daily living expenses. These standards vary depending on the cost of living in cities and states across the country.
Travel Expenses
Travel is the last portion of the pay package. Many recruiters may not even offer travel and instead put that money into the per diems or housing for their traveler so they are receiving the benefits over the entire contract, not just at the very beginning or end of the contract. While a travel stipend can be used to cover the cost of a flight for the traveler, it is more often than not used to subsidize the traveler’s expenses to and from an assignment. Travel expenses can be offered as a reimbursement rate per mile, though many agencies will opt to offer a flat rate to and from an assignment.
Getting Started as a Traveling Nurse
Many travel nurses find work through recruitment agencies and marketplaces, which means you have better access to job boards to choose your schedule, location, and salary. When you begin browsing for jobs, be sure to consider the housing options, the benefits, the guaranteed hours policy, and the recruiting company’s overall reputation.
The good news is that Fusion Marketplace has everything you need when it comes to finding the perfect traveling nursing jobs. Here, you have the freedom to explore careers, compare benefits, packages, and staffing agencies—all in one place. So find your next job today.