EP Lab Digest - May 2008 - (Page 38)

38 EMAIL DISCUSSION GROUP MAY 2008 EMAIL DISCUSSION Continued from page 36 within the last six months, I have not heard from the recycling company, other than the return signed receipt. I am wondering what recourse we have as customers when this happens. I have sent a letter requesting a response as to why I have not received payment for catheter tips. Any suggestions or comments please. — anonymous (To reply to this question, please type “Catheter Recycling” in your subject line.) Inventory/Charging Does any lab use technology (bar coding, cabinets, etc.) to help them with their catheter and equipment inventories and charges? What technology, and how well does it work for you? Any input would be helpful. — Dale R. Beatty, RN (To reply to this question, please type “Inventory/Charging” in your subject line.) Corvert At our facility and surrounding area hospitals, there has been a Second Annual Salary Survey Readers, thanks again for your participation in last year’s first-ever salary survey! It’s time to get started on our new 2008 survey. Remember, anyone working in the EP lab can participate. Results will be published in a future issue of EP Lab Digest. RETURN SURVEYS TO: “jelrod@hmpcommunications.com” or fax to 866-488-8273 In order for your survey to be included, you MUST answer all questions. 1. Are you a: (check all that apply, but also circle what you consider your “dominant” credential) ❑ RN ❑ CVT ❑ RT(R) ❑ CCRN ❑ RCIS ❑ Manager/Supervisor ❑ Director ❑ Other (please specify) 2. Your region: ❑ Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, MS, OH, WI) ❑ Pacific Coast (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA) ❑ New England/Middle Atlantic (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VE) ❑ Middle South/South (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, WV, VA) ❑ Central/Mountain Region/Southwest (AZ, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, SD, TX, WY, UT) 3. Years of experience in the EP lab: ❑ 0-2 years ❑ 3-5 years ❑ 6-9 years ❑ 10+ years debate about the use of Corvert to chemically convert patients from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm without the presence of a physician. At our facility, our current practice is to give the drug in the presence of “trained professionals.” We interpret this as: in the presence of someone who is ACLS certified. We recently had an ACLS-certified professional refuse to give the drug without a physician present. What is the practice at your facility regarding chemical cardioversions? From my own experience, I have worked at the facility for five years and have given the drug several times without a physician present. I do feel comfortable doing this and often help other professionals administer the drug when they are not comfortable giving it. — Lisa Decker, RN, BSN, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA (To reply to this question, please type “Corvert” in your subject line.) DFT Testing in Patients with Low Ejection Fractions (EF) Less than 10-15% Shaking the bushes to see if anyone has any anecdotal data regarding defibrillation threshold testing during implant in patients with a low EF% of 10 or less: initial shock, second shock, third shock, rescuelimiting inductions and testing to one course or multiple courses. Single initial shock with number of joules 10 less than defib max. — Dana St. John, RN (To reply to this question, please type “DFT Testing” in your subject line.) Loop Implant/Explant I was just wondering what some protocols are for loop procedures, particularly explants. I have recently been told that loop explants should take place in a positive pressure room. Any comments on this matter would be appreciated. — Edward Muxlow (To reply to this question, please type “Loop Implant/Explant” in your subject line.) 4. Size of your EP lab facility: EP lab suites 5. I am paid: Hourly (amount) $ Procedures per year 6. In the past year, I received the following bonus: ❑ None ❑ Retention ❑ Referral ❑ New Hire ❑ Certification 7. Does your lab tie pay raises/advances to completion of continuing education, mentoring or preceptoring of new employees, or service on department committees? ❑ Yes ❑ No 8. Does your lab offer an increase in pay upon completion of EP-associated professional certification? ❑ Yes ❑ No 9. How many hours/days per week do you work? 10. How much call time are you asked to do? If you are a manager and you will be responding for your entire lab, please list salaries below by credential and years of experience. Also, please fill out the survey above to add your own information to the survey. SALARY FOR: RN RCIS CVT RT(R) other: 0-2 years 3-5 years 6-9 years 10+ years

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EP Lab Digest - May 2008

EP Lab Digest - May 2008 Is There an Under-Referral of Women for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation? A Hybrid Approach to the Cure of Atrial Fibrillation Contents Letter from the Editor Spotlight Interview: University of Michigan Health System 10-Minute Interview: Amit J. Shanker, MD Modular EP Units: Are They Possible? One Hospital’s Experience All About My Job: Technician Supervisor (New Column!) Alcohol Septal Ablation in the Cath Lab: What is it All About? About the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society: Interview with Martin J. Gardner, MD, FRCP(C), FACC Email Discussion Group: May 2008 Second Annual Salary Survey My First Year in Electrophysiology: What Have I Got Myself Into? Highlight on Technology: Video-Audio Integration for the EP Lab On the Horizon: A New Remote Catheter Manipulation System Striving for Excellence in the Care of Cardiac Patients Five Reasons to Participate with a Professional Organization Suspected Shunting of Defibrillation Energy in the EP Lab Can Digital Music Players Cause Interference with Implantable Devices? ECG 101: Ambulatory ECG Monitoring Events Calendar Industry News and Products Classifieds Advertisers Index

EP Lab Digest - May 2008

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