Cath Lab Digest - November 2007 - (Page 40)

40 ASK THE CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER 2007 Ask the Clinical Instructor A Q&A column for those new to the cath lab Questions are answered by: Todd Ginapp, EMT-P, RCIS, FSICP Todd is the Cardiology Manager for Memorial Hermann Southeast in Houston, Texas. He also teaches an online RCIS Review course for Spokane Community College, in Spokane, Washington, and regularly presents with RCIS Review Courses. assure competency in the job performed. We have all seen those individuals who are text-book smart, but something happens when that knowledge must be applied in the real world. “Where do I start?” First, I will share processes that I have seen work. I understand that every learner has a different need and a different method of learning. What works well for one person does not necessarily work well for another. You have to decide what your learning style is, and this just gives a basic foundation for that learning. First, you should understand what you will be tested on. Table 1 shows the topics and what percentage covering this topic you will likely see on the exam. Now that you know what you will be tested on, you need to develop a plan to review materials. This can’t be understated. Even if you have worked in a cath lab for 15 years, this still doesn’t mean you are prepared for the exam. I speak with a lot of individuals in my classes who are experienced cath lab staff, but did not properly prepare for the examination and failed their first attempt. There are still items on the examination that aren’t used by most labs on a day-to-day basis (shunt calculations, myocardial biopsies, manual calculations of cardiac outputs and valve areas are some examples). Undoubtedly, the most popular RCIS exam-preparedness materials are the products sold by Wes Todd (www.westodd.com). Whether your method of study is active interaction or book learning, his materials have been proven effective for many years. As I was changing careers from a paramedic to a cath lab professional, I found these invaluable. As a testimony, I would not have been able to pass the exam on my first try without utilizing these materials. The CD is structured in such a way that you are given a question to think through, and asked to choose what you think the answer is. Whether you choose the right or wrong answer, you are provided a “mini-education” session that explains the rationale behind why certain answers are wrong, and why certain answers are right. With graphics and interaction between the learner and the CD, an enhancement to learning is provided for the user. For those people who prefer reading and studying a textbook, Wes Todd’s series of books are, essentially, the CD put on paper. While there isn’t the level of interactivity, the same materials, questions and answers, and explanations are provided. Many people also prefer to study from a variety of invasive cardiology textbooks. Some of the more common books are The Cardiac Catheterization Handbook by Kern (ISBN 0-323-02247-2) and Grossmans’ Cardiac Catheterization by Baim (ISBN 0-683-30741-x). While not specifically directed towards the preparation of the RCIS exam, these books would contain the information needed to be ready for the exam. Of course, there are many more books on the market that can be reviewed, and I only mention a couple with which I have personal experience. What do you do if you review these materials, but feel that you are still not prepared for the exam? The Society for Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) provides RCIS Review Courses on a regular basis. Some are provided at national conferences, and some are provided independently for facilities that are requiring their staff obtain the credential in the near future. These are usually 1 or 2-day courses that cover a majority of the content on the exam. These courses are intended to provide a review of materials, but also helps direct the “My hospital has told us that we have to obtain our RCIS credential within a year. Why do you think I have to do this and where do I start?” — Anonymous email to tginapp@rcisreview.com “Our hospital does not perform many right heart caths, yet 15% of the exam covers hemodynamics. Where do I possibly start?” — RCIS Online Review student T he Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) credential is increasingly becoming a standard in cath labs. As governmental agencies and healthcare insurance companies look for a “standard of care” or “minimal credentialing,” the RCIS is the most relevant and most specific credential provided for the cath lab today. The RCIS examination is administered through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (www. ccionline.org). The current information booklet, as well as exam applications and details, are available through their website. If you do not have a copy of the booklet, you should download it for review. Your hospital either decided that a credentialing standard is desired, or has seen that credentialing of staff may someday be required and they are getting an early start. For the record, I commend your hospital for taking this jump. I personally believe that it should be required for all cath lab staff who participate in diagnostic and/or interventional procedures in the lab. It ensures a basic knowledge base through the administration of the exam. However, the exam does miss a clinical component, so it does not Table 1. Content Category and Approximate Percentage of RCIS Exam Cardiovascular A&P Cardiovascular Disease/Pathophysiology Diagnostic Techniques Intervention Hemodynamic Data Pharmacology Equipment and Instrumentation Patient Care/Patient Assessment TOTAL 5% 8% 20% 16% 15% 7% 11% 18% 100% Even if you have worked in a cath lab for 15 years, this still doesn’t mean you are prepared for the exam. I speak with a lot of individuals in my classes who are experienced cath lab staff, but did not properly prepare for the examination. http://www.cci-online.org http://www.cci-online.org http://www.westodd.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cath Lab Digest - November 2007

Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute Treating Patients with Complex Vascular Disease with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach Improving Patient Compliance with Antiplatelet Medications Clinical Editor’s Corner Cath Lab Nurse/Tech Vascular Access and Closure Using the StarClose® Device The Clinical and Economic Impact of Measuring Fractional Flow Reserve FFR and Choosing an Optimal Revascularization Strategy Finally! The New Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) Credential Use of a Mobile Lab to ‘Test the Waters’ at a Rural Hospital Remembering a Cardiac Cath Lab History ACVP• Membership Page What Do You Think? The Ten-Minute Interview with… Ernie Livingston, RN, BSN SICP* Chapter Updates Who’s in Charge? Working to Eliminate Bottlenecks: Florida Hospital’s Cardiac Cath Lab Achieves Greater Efficiency and Higher Satisfaction Preserving Left Ventricular Function during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Ask the Clinical Instructor: A Q&A Column for Those New to the Cath Lab Making the Most of Your First Impression: Interviewing Tips and Techniques CEU Education Center Clinical & Industry News Meetings Calendar

Cath Lab Digest - November 2007

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