All Hands-on Deck: A Cath Lab Nurse’s Story of Purpose and Lifesaving Care

For Martha Salcedo Gonzalez, nursing has always been about momentum and heart.

With more than 26 years as a nurse and nearly three decades working in healthcare, Martha's career began early. She started as a certified nursing assistant and went on to become an OB technician in labor and delivery, a role she held for 14 years before earning her nursing degree. Over time, she worked across multiple departments, but one area consistently stood out.

"Procedural nursing has always been my passion," Martha said. "I like the fast pace. I like the challenge. These patients are very sick when they come to us, and it's incredibly rewarding to help save them and get them safely to the ICU."

That passion ultimately led her to the cardiac catheterization lab at Saint Francis Medical Center, a proud member of Prime Healthcare.

What Is the Cath Lab?

The cardiac catheterization lab, commonly known as the cath lab, is a highly specialized unit where minimally invasive procedures are performed to diagnose and treat heart conditions. Using advanced imaging technology, physicians guide thin catheters through blood vessels to open blocked arteries, restore blood flow, and prevent further damage to the heart.

Cath lab nursing differs significantly from traditional inpatient care. Nurses are deeply involved in every moment of the procedure. They manage sedation, administer critical medications, monitor vital signs continuously, and respond instantly to changes in a patient's condition.

Cath lab nurses are also frequently on call, responding in the middle of the night when emergencies strike. The work requires resilienceand the ability to step into high-stakes situations at a moment's notice.

A Different Kind of Intensity

Many of those emergencies involve a STEMI, or ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a severe type of heart attacks. In these cases, a coronary artery is completely blocked, cutting off blood flow to part of the heart.

"There's a saying in the cath lab," Martha said. "Time is muscle."

The longer a vessel remains blocked, the more heart tissue is permanently damaged. That urgency drives everything the team does.

"We're moving very fast because we're trying to intervene before there's damage to the heart," she said. "Every second matters."

Despite the pressure, Martha finds clarity in the structure of cath lab care.

"Coming from other areas, the cath lab feels intense, but controlled," she said. "You know your role. You know what needs to be done."

Compassion at the Center of Care

While cath lab nursing is highly technical, Martha believes compassion is just as essential.

She recalls a patient from earlier in her career during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient was battling cancer, and family members were unable to visit due to restrictions. Martha and her team became a source of comfort for both the patient and her daughter.

"We helped her with supplies, with care, with everything we could," Martha said. "When her mom passed away, the family came back to thank us. That stays with you."

Today, Martha brings that same empathy to every patient she meets. As a bilingual nurse, she often connects with Spanish-speaking patients who feel immediate relief when they can communicate in their native language.

"Just speaking Spanish can make a huge difference," she said. "Patients tell us they feel more comfortable. That matters."

Growing With Prime Healthcare

Martha says what initially attracted her to Prime Healthcare, and what has kept her at Saint Francis Medical Center, is the opportunity to continue growing while serving the community.

"Prime Healthcare has given me the opportunity to keep growing as a nurse," she said. "That's very important to me."

She values the diversity of her team and the shared commitment to treating every patient as if they were family.

A Path Worth Considering

Cath lab nursing requires lifelong learning, adaptability, and trust in your team. But for nurses who thrive in high-acuity environments and want to make an immediate impact, Martha believes it is one of the most rewarding paths in healthcare.

"Always be open to learning. Be open to constructive criticism. Be a team player," she advised. "That's how you succeed in the cath lab."

For nurses considering their next step, Prime Healthcare's cath labs offer more than a job. They offer the opportunity to grow and save lives when seconds matter most.