The Ten-Minute Interview with Jim Wade, RN, RCIS, RCS, MBA, FSICP

I began work as a CICU Computer Lab Technician in a large volume surgical center at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). They had a very advanced post-op patient recovery computer system. (I didn’t realize just how advanced it was, since this was my first hospital position.) After five years at UAB, I wanted to expand my experience, so I went to a local Baptist Hospital. Instead of working in a restricted role, as I did at UAB, I was cross-trained in a variety of departments within the Cardiovascular Services department. I really enjoyed the patient interaction and the technical aspects of the positions. What is the most bizarre case you have ever been involved in? Once, while inserting a vena cava filter, instead of becoming secured to the vena cava, it slowly crept through the venous circulation. We helplessly watched it on fluoro and eventually had to take the patient to surgery. Where do you see yourself professionally when it is time to retire? I feel very fortunate in that I am happy being a cardiovascular director. I wouldn’t care to move up to an administrative role. As a clinical director, I learn a lot more from my staff than they learn from me. It is very rewarding to see people improve and evolve in their careers. I also enjoy the quirky humor that seems to be so prevalent in all cath labs. I have always had a difficult time knowing exactly what I wanted to do in the future. I now accept this limitation and plod ahead. When I was younger, I envied people that seemed to know what they wanted and pursued a steady course toward their goals. (I’ll probably have a vision on my deathbed as to what I want to do when I finally grow up). I do know that eventually I will want a slower, more relaxed pace with greater emphasis on education but not quite yet. Why did you choose to get involved with the SICP? How did it happen? I have always felt the need to be represented by an outside organization. Older cardiovascular organizations somewhat clumsily tried to unite cath lab people, but I feel the SICP was the first organization to really understand that the term cardiovascular technologist refers to all people within the cath lab and that all labs need ongoing education. I strongly support the CCI credential, the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), as a unifying credential for the cath lab. I also feel that the SICP was the first organization to understand the importance of satisfying the need for collegial networking as well as offering the opportunity to have fun and mingle with your peers from around the country. I am impressed that the SICP tries to promote all cath lab people and not just an elitist few. Can you describe your role with the SICP? I was recently asked to serve as the SICP Director of Professional Standards Committee. I will be overseeing the committee that writes the SICP standards of practice and scope of practice. I will also represent the SICP on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) legislative council. I also see my current role as simply to wholeheartedly endorse the mission of unifying the cath lab staff and promote harmony between all the specialties included in the cath lab. I think the diversity of staff is exactly what will help the cath lab progress in the future as subspecialties emerge. Your work for the SICP is volunteer. What motivates you to continue? I think everyone needs to give something back to our profession. I am very proud of the fact I was once the state director of the year for the American College of Cardiovascular Administrators (ACCA). I see people complaining about things, but then not willing to participate in the process of finding solutions. I also think we should be tolerant of and help mentor new employees. It bothers me when I see experienced staff act condescending when newer employees ask questions. What is the biggest challenge you see regarding the position you hold in the cath lab? This is an easy question. I think I can speak for most people here, the biggest challenge I have is juggling all the commitments with the limited time. I also need to honestly say, I sometimes struggle with staying enthusiastic day in and day out, especially when petty staff issues arise. If you could send a message back to yourself at the beginning of your cath lab career, what advice would you give? This is a great question. I would take the time to become closer to my coworkers and those in other departments. I have a very small family, so I tend to think of my coworkers as a form of extended family. I have met some great people over the years and since I have moved around a little, I don’t get to see them as much as I would like. I also wish I had taken more time to enjoy the ride a little more. By this, I mean have greater appreciation for all the neat things I have had the great fortune to do over the years. Lastly, I would never sell time back in lieu of taking a vacation, as I have frequently done in the past. Are there any websites or texts you would recommend to other labs? I think too many labs purchase texts and journals suited for physicians that just stay on the shelf because we (I include myself) don’t readily understand them due to time constraints. It doesn’t help to understand the subtleties of monoclonal antibodies and their potential toward selective lipid reduction if we don’t even know how to calculate a valve area. I heartedly endorse Wes Todd’s review books (www.westodd.com). I think every lab should purchase these for their library and we should help enable Wes and others to provide additional materials by discouraging people from photocopying these books. I also wish vendors would spend more money on educational grants and seminars and spend less on gimmicky marketing toys. What changes do you think will occur in the field of cardiology in the coming decades? More specialized care facilities with greater ownership and control by physicians; Some hybrid form of universal medical coverage that provides for greater access for patient with greater financial means; More evolution in the care of peripheral vascular and heart failure subspecialties; Slow but steady progress toward palliation of atrial fibrillation; More automation in terms of clinical documentation; Slow progress, but eventually greater emphasis on late-term outcomes; More partnering with mega-companies like GE and Siemens for turn-key solutions; Greater evidence-based selection of devices and treatment protocols; Expanded use of distal protection devices; More automation in clinical results reporting; Tighter integration of clinical computer with imaging system and peripheral devices; Less use of closure devices.

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