Caring for patients with heart rhythm disorders is the job of electrophysiology nurses, or EP nurses. It's a collaborative role and if you take your skills on the road as a travel nurse, you get the opportunity to work with cardiologists, electrophysiologists and other health care professionals across the country.
Travel nursing has its perks. You get to do a job you love, feel fulfilled at each day's end, explore new cities and spaces, and of course, make some pretty great cash.
Interested in traveling as an EP nurse? Browse travel EP nurse jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
An electrophysiology (EP) registered nurse, sometimes known as an electrophysiology lab nurse, specializes in the treatment and care of patients suffering from heart rhythm disorders. EP nurses assist with diagnosing conditions, monitoring patients during interventional procedures such as an electrophysiology study procedure and ablations, and educating patients on their condition. From administering medications to collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure optimal patient outcomes, their role is invaluable in the electrophysiology lab and in the field of cardiology care.
Provide comprehensive patient care to those undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac electrophysiology procedures
Monitor patients before, during, and after these procedures
Assist physicians during electrophysiology procedures, such as cardiac ablations and implantations of pacemakers or defibrillators
Administer medications and monitoring the patient's response
Closely monitor a patient's vital signs and heart rhythm, using specialized equipment such as an electrocardiogram (EKG)
Educate patients and their families about the procedure, postoperative care, and the necessary lifestyle changes to manage their heart condition effectively
With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.
Travel EP lab nurses are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see what you'll actually get paid before you even apply.
Level-up, nurse. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.
Travel EP lab nurses qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the cost of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.
See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your nursing career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.
Being a travel nurse is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training in nursing and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!
Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others you want to travel to is easier as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials required for any and all travel jobs.
Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in nursing.
The three parts of compliance
Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams
A registered nurse (RN) needs to complete their associate degree or bachelor's degree at an accredited nursing program and take the National Council Licensure Exam NCLEX -RN Exam, which is a requirement to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Once the NCLEX exam is passed, you meet the requirements by your state license board, and you obtain your RN license, then all that is left is to do is gain the necessary relevant experience in your specialty and explore additional certifications.
Nurses can earn the Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) certification, which is offered by the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), to gain certification to work in the electrophysiology lab. This certification demonstrates a nurse's proficiency and specialized knowledge in the highly technical area of cardiac electrophysiology. EP critical care nurses must also stay certified in areas such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
In the United States, the average salary for an EP nurse is approximately $77,000 per year, according to Payscale. However, this figure can vary widely, depending on factors such as the nurse's experience, geographical location, and the type and size of their employer. For instance, EP registered nurses in large, urban hospitals may earn significantly more than their counterparts in smaller, rural clinics. Additionally, those with advanced skills or specializations may command higher salaries.
An electrophysiology lab nurse works predominantly in hospitals, particularly within specialized departments such as cardiac catheterization laboratories, or cardiac cath lab, although their expertise may also be required in areas such as the emergency department. They may also find employment in outpatient clinics, where they monitor patients undergoing non-invasive procedures or follow-up appointments. In addition, some EP nurses work in research facilities or educational institutions, contributing to advancements in the field and training future generations of cardiac healthcare professionals.
Taking travel nursing jobs is beneficial because it exposes you to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations, provides the opportunity to explore new specialties, and helps you gain experience learning a new clinical environment quickly.