The Importance of Training in the Cath Lab: Planning Measurable, Achievable Success

Training in the cardiac catheterization lab, in my opinion, is one of the most integral components for building a skillful, successful lab. Some cath labs train staff members by on-the-job training only, but does this leave out critical clinical knowledge? The answer is yes. While clinical experience is invaluable, so is the comprehensive foundation of clinical knowledge. The decisions made and actions taken during procedures in the cath lab are more easily understood by new and seasoned cath lab staff members if the lab has a formal education plan. I have trained and educated staff in multiple cath labs around the country. I have found the greatest success in building an effective catheterization team when each staff member is educated about every role involved in every catheterization procedure. 

An effective way to initially introduce the concepts of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and radiologic information applicable to the cath lab procedure is to formulate a comprehensive, detailed training checklist for each staff member. A unique strategy that I have implemented is to have the staff members teach each other!  According to the educational plan and checklist, give your staff ‘homework’ assignments. Have your staff members report what they have researched and learned to the rest of the staff in a formal educational time set aside for this learning. This definitely ensures thorough reading, research, and cardiac catheterization lab application. Another important aspect of achieving effective and successful education is to provide each staff member with their own learning material to which they always have access.  This does require additional financial resources provided by the particular hospital/corporation, but the results in terms of providing high quality patient care are invaluable. 

I am currently training the cath lab staff at Palestine Regional Medical Center located in Palestine, Texas, which includes a wide skill mix of staff members. Charlie Jackson, RN, Jessica Farmer, RN, Jimmy Trantham, RT, and Bryan Lankford, RT, provide this eclectic mix of skill and knowledge, which in turn provides a greater potential for learning and knowledge due to the integration of multiple disciplines. I have spent the past several years creating training programs with the assistance of Dr. Gaurav Aggarwala, cardiologist in Palestine, Texas, Patrick Byrnes, RN, IASIS Cardiovascular Service Line Director, Utah, and Sean Tuckett, RN, Cardiac and Peripheral Lab Manager, Lakeview Hospital, Utah. 

My goal is to have all my current employees pass the registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS) national exam. I feel that patients receiving our care deserve the highest quality care, and by making each staff member accountable to measurable standards, not only will they successfully pass the RCIS exam, but have the experience and knowledge to provide such care.

To receive suggestive training plans, examples, or if you have a particular area of interest contact me at: cathmedic@aol.com.