One unstable patient, three departments, and every nurse on alert... Let's break down what really happens during a high-risk STEMI. This episode follows the case of a 62-year old patient from ER to the Cath Lab to the ICU. Nurses Sarah Vance and Caitlyn Nichols help us explore the role of nurses in each stage of care, from stabilizing the patient to placing an Impella device.
We cover everything from IV placement and medications to monitoring patients through each phase of care. Learn how to prepare patients for the Cath Lab, manage complications like V-fib and bleeding post-PCI, and support the next team during handoffs. This is a must-listen for nurses involved in cardiac care!
Topics discussed in this episode:
- Case presentation of a 62-year old patient
- ER nurse priorities for STEMI patients
- Initial treatment and stabilization
- Why “M.O.N.A.” is an outdated practice
- Preparing the patient for the Cath Lab team
- Cath Lab nurse responsibilities and role during PCI
- High-risk PCI vs. standard PCI
- Managing common complications
- Transitioning from Cath Lab to ICU
- ICU nurse priorities for post-PCI patients
- Impella placement and monitoring
- Managing reperfusion arrhythmias
- Long-term care and getting patients off the Impella
- Patient and family education
Connect with Sarah Vance:
https://www.instagram.com/iseeu_nurse/
Connect with Caitlyn Nichols:
https://www.instagram.com/icunursingnotesbycaitlyn/
Mentioned in this episode:
CONNECT 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapidresponsern/ 📚 Check out my course: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/learnmore 🧑💻Check out my website: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/ 📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/login 🎁 Affiliation and discounts: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/therapidresponsern ✅ Earn CE’s for listening to podcasts through RNegade: https://rnegade.thinkific.com/?ref=d9d541 SAY THANKS 💜Leave a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/rapid-response-rn/id1535997752 💚Leave a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55LQqeDg6XFeixvZLEp4xE ⏱️ To get the FREE Rapid Response RN Assessment Guide and the coupon code for $10 off the cost of the course, message Sarah on Instagram @TheRapidResponseRN and type the word PODCAST! This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com
Listen to the In The Heart of Care Podcast
https://link.cohostpodcasting.com/6598429e-e927-45b0-9b57-7dd34a09d803?d=seASyqjs7
Join Rapid Response Academy Fall 2025 Cohort!
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