This team should be recognized

Ah, the cath lab professional. What sort of being are you? Are you RN, RT(R), RCIS, CVT, CCRN, RT and so on...? I’d have to answer yes, all of those things, or just one or two, or five. But to be honest, the most widespread distinguishing characteristics in the cath lab these days aren’t really between who has what credential. The most important differences seem to exist between those who are well-educated and experienced in invasive cardiology practice and procedures, and those who are as yet new to this very particular and exacting field. Doesn’t matter when you walk in that door for the first time. You are a babe in the woods but there is a credential with which you can arm yourself. Many CV professionals would agree that recognition of their invasive procedure experience, on some sort of official level, is coming to be more and more crucial. In that light, Cath Lab Digest talks this month to members from the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals and Cardiovascular Credentialing International about their thoughts on the cath lab-specific RCIS credential. What’s it all about? What are the hopes, dreams, and plans behind this credential? Also in our April issue, CLD shares an exciting study on how to decrease your door-to-balloon time through direct CCL activation by the ER physician for STEMI, without prior cardiology consultation. St. Luke’s Hospital in Pennsylvania shares their strategy and positive results. We’re also pleased to have one of our newest board members, Chuck Williams of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, featured in our cath lab professional spotlight section. Chuck’s career has been an amazing one that will spark your admiration, from an early carotid arteriogram in 1965 to a funny story about Melvin Judkins. Jason Wilson, Clinical Educator, continues his work advising those new to the cath lab (if you read Marsha Holton’s article on ergonomics last month, you’ll really feel the pain behind the first questioner’s lead discomfort). Don’t hesitate to write in with your question, by the way. Enjoy! Rebecca Kapur, Managing Editor CathLabDigest@aol.com Knowledge is the one thing no one can ever take from you.

NULL