San Diego has a well-earned reputation for being a leader in medical research and filling nursing jobs with top-level candidates. It is the home of excellent university hospitals, facilities and research institutes, and San Diego State University is the largest producer of baccalaureate nurses in the county. Some of the major hospitals in the San Diego area are Scripps Mercy Hospital, Sharp Memorial Hospital, and UC San Diego Medical Center.
Cardiac catheterization lab nurses (or cath lab nurses) are highly specialized cardiac care nurses that perform pre- and post-procedural care for patients that undergo specific cardiovascular procedures, including (but not limited to) cardiac catheterization, pacemakers, angioplasties and valvuloplasties. Because these cardiac care procedures are so cutting edge, cath lab nurses must consistently keep up on the latest technological advancements, through such resources as the Cath Lab Digest. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent, overall job growth for registered nurses, at 22%. Because of their specialization and talent, cath lab nurses should expect a higher-than-average salary, compared to other registered nurses.