Hello, everyone. This is my first-ever attempt at blogging. So, as I move into a new arena of technology…ok, I know, you all are saying “Hey, Jon, welcome to 1997, the year the first blog was recorded.” Well, blame it on work schedule or being part of a family with 3 boys. I just haven’t had the time or know-how to participate in what some consider everyday life. I’m still trying to figure out Facebook. (Is that confusing to anyone else?)

I wanted to write my first blog as an introduction, but on a monthly basis, I will be blogging things related to cath lab life, education, research and sometimes posing questions to the readers for input.

My name is Jon Jenkins, and I am born and raised in southwest Missouri. I acquired my RN status in 1995. I worked on a cardiac stepdown unit for 4 months out of school and then transferred to a very busy cardiac cath lab in northwest Arkansas. Learning in the trenches with 15 days of call a month and average two week pay of 120+ hours provided an opportunity to learn quickly. I sat for my RCIS as soon as possible. During this time, I was a contributing editor to Wes Todd's Cardiovascular Review books.

In 1998, the opportunity arose to move back closer to home and I was hired to set up and open the first cath lab at Skaggs Medical Center in Branson, Missouri. During those years, I contributed my first article to Cath Lab Digest, on single operator deployment of Vasoseal. In 2004, I was hired by the cardiology group at Skaggs to open an independent, freestanding outpatient cath lab. Once again, I went through the process of designing and setting up a new lab. Then, in 2006, Skaggs bought out the cardiology group and I moved back to the inpatient facility, where I am currently employed. I recently contributed a series of articles to Cath Lab Digest titled "Hemodynamics is a 12-Letter Word" (links at end).

Now I am honored to have been asked to contribute monthly to this online blog. Writing short little snippets fits well with my current season in life. I am married to a beautiful and loving wife, have 3 boys ages 6, 4, and 11 months, and am still taking 15 days of call a month! I look forward to blogging in the months to come to generate discussion, challenge others and have fun.

Links to my hemodynamic series:

Hemodynamics is a 12-Letter Word! An intro to the basics.
Part I: Basics with Wiggers
http://cathlabdigest.com/article/6928

Hemodynamics is a 12-Letter Word! An intro to the basics
Part II: Normal Values/Waveforms and Attention-getters
http://cathlabdigest.com/article/7232

Hemodynamics is a 12-Letter Word! An intro to the basics.
Part III: Stenosis and regurgitation
http://cathlabdigest.com/article/7511