News from the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP)

Inaugural Electrophysiology/ Invasive Review Course Presented at Sentara College

Sally Elliott, CCT, CRAT, RCIS, Program Coordinator, Sentara College, Chesapeake, Virginia

The Sentara College of Health Sciences in Chesapeake, Virginia, hosted the nation’s first Electrophysiology/Invasive Review course on June 11-12, 2011. Approximately 100 allied health professionals from across the nation attended this completely vendor-sponsored event. 

The subject of the meeting was Cardiovascular Credentialing International’s (CCI) exam matrices for both the registered cardiac electrophysiology specialist (RCES) and registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS) exams, fashioned in breakout sessions over the two-day review course. Volunteer speakers included Mike Buie, RCIS, CCDS, CEPS; Sally Elliott, CCT, CRAT, RCIS; Jon Grammes, MD; Megan Hunsinger, RCIS; Linda Rosenwald, RCIS; and Deepak Talreja, MD. In addition to speaking pro bono, all speakers donated their work to the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP), building a signature review course for the RCES exam that is now available to all allied health professions through the professional society. 

A vendor hall showcased the following exhibitors: Arstasis, Boston Scientific, St. Jude Medical, CCI, the SICP, Abbott Vascular, and Medtronic. With this vendor support, participants enjoyed a fully-funded, well-organized event.

Attendees at the first EP Review Course:

John Abad, RCIS, Advanced Orthopedics
Cathy Amman, Lehigh Valley Hospital (PA)
Chris Anderson, CVT, HCA CJW Chippenham
Robin Armbruster, HCA CJW Chippenham
Sel Batir, HCA CJW Chippenham
William (Tony) Beasley, University Hospital (Augusta, GA)
James Blocker, CVT, Winchester (VA)
Kathy Boddie, SHH-EP
Jodi Brander, RT-R, HCA CJW Chippenham
Amanda Brandt, INV CVT
Mike Buie, RCIS, CPES, EP CVT
Grace Butler, RT-R, CVT, SOH
Zach Butler, CVT, HCA CJW Chippenham
Manny Calayo, RN, BSN, SHH-EP
Angela Capone, WakeMed (NC)
Mary Clark, RN, Wake Forest Uni. Baptist Medical Center (NC)
Diane Dahlin, HCA CJW Chippenham
Heather Daniels, RCIS, SHH-EP
Stephanie Davies, INV CVT
Yolanda Davis, RCIS, SVBGH - EP
Ed DeMary, RCIS, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Colin Doucette, INV CVT
Carrie Dykstra, SHH-EP
JP Elicerio, RCIS, SNGH - Vascular
Sally Elliott, RCIS, EP CVT
Cheryl Eriksen, RN, WakeMed (NC)
Gene Eskey, RCIS, SOH
Jana Eubanks, RN, SHH-EP
Diane Finn, Wake Forest Uni. Baptist Medical Center (NC)
Claudia Godoi, Heart Rhythm Associates (FL)
Alexander Gonzaga, Washington Adventist (MD)
Marianne Haney
Ronald Harrison
Sara Helke, EP CVT
Theresa Henson, RCIS, Medical University of South Carolina (SC)
Bill Hinson, EP CVT
Josh Hofler, RCIS, SHH-EP
Megan Hunsinger, MS, RCIS, EP CVT
Stephanie Jacobs, RCIS, SNGH - Vascular
Debbie Jenkins, CPES, Winchester (VA)
Cindy Ketner, Winchester (VA)
Jameel Lakhan, ST, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills (FL)
Laura Lucas, RCIS, HCA CJW Chippenham
Jim MacCord, RN, SOH
Stephanie Mangum, RN, WakeMed (NC)
Bob Martinez, RN, RCIS, Lakeland Regional Medical Center (FL)
Joshua Matier, RCIS, Suburban Hospital (MD)
Chuck Matthews, INV CVT
Dan McCloskey
Jerome Mickens, RCIS, SHH-EP
Jolleen Mitchell, Wake Forest Uni. Baptist Medical Center (NC)
Cindy Nadal
Christine O’Leary
David Olerta, RN, Inova Fairfax/Alexandria (VA)
Carrie Oliveras, RCIS, Portsmouth Naval Hospital
Jonathon Perry, CVT, SHH-EP
Robert Reed, Baptist Health - Montgomery (AL)
Monica Reed, RCIS, Bon Secours (Hampton Roads)
Juliet Rergyamdee, RCIS, CHKD
Aaron Richards, EP CVT
Barbara Rodgers, LPN, RCIS, Lehigh Valley Hospital (PA)
Angelica Rodriguez, RN, HCA CJW Chippenham
Linda Rosenwald, RCIS, INV CVT
Denise Rowe, RCIS, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Mary Salley, HCA CJW Chippenham
Peter Schieve, Winchester (VA)
Maria Scott, RCIS, Inova Fairfax/Alexandria (VA)
Colleen Scott, RT-R, RCIS, Centra-Lynchburg General Hospital
Marcus Sharp, RCIS, SVBGH - EP
Branden Shields, INV CVT
Kathy Sidler, RCIS, Geisinger Medical Center (PA)
Michelle Smith, HCA CJW Chippenham
Heather Stapleton, ST, Pepin Heart - Tampa (FL)
Jill Szalj, RN, WakeMed(NC)
Ryan Taclibon, National  Naval Medical Center (MD)
Marianne Tate, WakeMed (NC)
Michelle Troutman, RCIS, RT-R (VI), Geisinger Medical Center (PA)
Sara Van Blerk
Minh Vo, INV CVT
Amy Warnecke, RN, HCA CJW Chippenham
Clara Wells, RN, SHH - Device Clinic
Misty White, RCIS, SHH-EP
Andrea White, RCIS, CHKD
LaTonya Williams, RN, Emory Hospital (GA)
Kevin Winn, Brooks Army Medical Center (TX)

__________________________________

The SICP Cath Lab Spotlight: Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital Medical Center, Plattsburgh, New York

Miles A. Carver, Manager, Invasive Cardiac Services, Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital Medical Center (CVPHMC)

Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital Medical Center Invasive Cardiac Services department has 3 procedural labs — 2 for diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures, and 1 dedicated to electrophysiology (EP). There is also a procedural room in which transesophageal echocardiograms (TEEs) and cardioversions are performed. Presently, we have 6 interdepartmental, pre- and post-beds, and 9 additional beds.

CVPHMC has a multidisciplinary staff of 24, consisting of 10 registered nurses (RNs) (2 part-time and 1 full-time, dedicated to EP) 8 technologists (1 per diem, 2 dedicated to EP), 1 critical care technician, 1 critical care technician/inventory manager, 1 department coordinator, 1 manager and 2 clerks. 

Under the Director of Cardiovascular Services, we have 1 electrophysiologist, 3 interventionalists, 5 full-time diagnostic cardiologists, and 1 seasonal diagnostic cardiologist.

The hospital has a full cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) with 1 cardiothoracic surgeon and 2 dedicated cardiovascular anesthesiologists.

We perform all diagnostic electrophysiology and cardiovascular procedures, as well as routine and complex percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), atherectomy, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), fractional flow reserve (FFR), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) insertion, permanent and temporary pacemaker insertions, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), bi-ventricular pacemakers, simple and complex ablations, peripheral vascular interventions, pericardiocentesis, peripheral vascular studies, renal angiography, and renal intervention.

Our center performs approximately 700 PCIs per year, 1,750 diagnostic procedures, and 450 electrophysiology procedures. In the past year, we have treated 86 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with an average door-to-balloon time of 48.75 minutes.

Our facility has been cited in a national survey for outstanding cardiovascular work and is considered one of the top hospitals in the state of New York.

CVPH is a relatively new cardiovascular program, performing interventions for fewer than 7 years. Presently, we have two registered cardiovascular invasive specialists (RCISs), with a goal to make our invasive coronary lab team 100% RCIS-credentialed. It is not yet mandated for the entire staff; however we have made it part of the technologist’s job description. We hope to gain a better foundation for cardiovascular care in our region and community by enhancing the technical and professional skill levels of all caregivers within our department through education. We also hope to create an environment of cardiovascular excellence, with measurable standards throughout the cardiovascular arena. The RCIS credential is fast becoming the standard by which those of us in this field are measured.

__________________________________

CVPH is hosting an SICP Signature RCIS Review Course September 23-24, 2011.

The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals will present a two-day Registry Review Course at CVPHMC in Plattsburgh, New York. Conducted by our premier review course presenters, this course is designed to review information for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) RCIS invasive registry exam. This course will help you identify areas in which you need to concentrate your self-study, or will serve as an overview for those who are prepared to take the exam.

Registration deadline is September 9, 2011. Any registrations received after September 9th will be accepted if space is available and will be assessed a $25 late fee. There are a limited number of spaces available; you must pre-register. There will not be on-site registration. Anyone wishing to participate should register for the course at www.sicp.com, contact SICP at meetings@sicp.com, or call (919) 861-4546.

__________________________________

Attention RCISs and RRTs: Edison State College Offers Bachelor of Applied Science in Cardiopulmonary Sciences

Edison State College in Fort Myers, Florida, is proud to introduce a new bachelor’s degree program in cardiopulmonary sciences. This new program is a collaborative effort involving Edison’s existing associate in science (AS) degree programs in invasive cardiovascular technology and respiratory care. Edison began the AS degree program in invasive cardiovascular technology in 1989. The bachelor of applied science (B.A.S.) in cardiopulmonary sciences program is designed for registered cardiovascular invasive specialists (RCISs) and registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) holding AS degrees who want to advance their education.

The program will provide cardiovascular professionals with a well-rounded general education in the arts and sciences as well as advanced understanding in cardiopulmonary sciences. The cardiopulmonary sciences BAS provides career advancement for entry-level health profession practitioners. Students will develop management and leadership skills, and gain a broader-based knowledge of healthcare delivery skills. The program offers a diverse population of students with innovative educational experiences and opportunities to meet the healthcare needs of the community they serve. The program provides a career and educational pathway for RCISs and RRTs that would like to enhance their knowledge of cardiopulmonary diseases and treatments, and expand their careers into education, management/supervision, research or industry. 

The B.A.S. in cardiopulmonary sciences program includes courses in professional issues, advanced pharmacology, diagnosis and intervention, patient management, research, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, pathophysiology, leadership, and community health. Courses are offered in an online, or blend of online and traditional formats to accommodate students’ various schedules and learning preferences. Students may select from an array of electives to complement their learning. Courses are offered for full and part-time students. The program also provides a basis for continued education at the graduate level.

For additional information, please visit: https://www.edison.edu/academics/bscardiopulmonary/index.php, or call (239) 985-8398.

For program-specific requirements, as listed in the Edison State College Catalog, please visit: https://catalog.edison.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=135&returnto=253

__________________________________

SICP Member Spotlight: Stephanie Ranck, RCIS, FSCIP

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background.

My name is Stephanie Ranck and I am the Director of the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville, Pennsylvania. I have a BA in biology from Lycoming College and I am a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS).  I went through Geisinger’s cardiovascular technology (CVT) program in 2003 and worked in the cath lab at GMC for two years. I became the director of the program in December of 2005. I am currently working on my master’s degree in health care administration. I reside in Watsontown, Pennsylvania, am married, and have a 13-year-old daughter.

Why did you choose to work in the invasive cardiology field?

My biology degree was so broad that it really did not open many doors for me. I started out working in the inpatient pharmacy at Geisinger and then moved over into a position within medical records called a Severity of Illness Analyst. This was a job where I had to read and extract information out of people’s medical records to send to the state for regulatory purposes. It did not take me long to figure out this was not the job for me. I began searching on Geisinger’s website and found out about the CVT program. I called on a whim, and set up a day to go and shadow in the cath lab. I knew from the moment I saw the staff interacting with the patient that this profession was what I wanted.  

Can you describe your role in the lab?

My role as the director of the CVT program gets me involved with the clinical coordinator and the preceptors on a daily basis. The clinical coordinator and I work closely to schedule the students with the appropriate preceptors within the scrub, monitor, and circulator roles.

I also attend monthly cath lab meetings to stay apprised of all the changes and new procedures that are performed in the cath lab.

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is to make sure that the students get the best educational experience that they can. There is an ongoing issue about who is most qualified to work in a cath lab (RCISs, nurses, RTs, and so on) and I am proud to say that Geisinger’s cath lab is all RCIS. Therefore, the students get a very knowledgeable group of individuals to teach them how to be an outstanding technologist. The challenge that I see in the future is maintaining the importance of having RCISs in the cath lab throughout the country for the safety of the patients.

What motivates you?

I love what I do, and I am very proud to be part of invasive cardiology. I love the challenge of taking new students who know nothing about invasive cardiology, teaching them, and seeing their progress along the way, as they become technologists.

Can you share an unusual case?

I would have to say the most bizarre case I have ever been involved in had to be a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patient who was very intoxicated and did not understand why he needed to have a cardiac cath done. We got femoral access and began the procedure, then he decided to become combative and get up off the cath table with his femoral sheath in his leg. It was quite a challenge convincing him to get back onto the table to finish the procedure.

When work gets stressful, what do you do to help keep your morale high?

I try to leave the bad day behind me and realize that with a new day there is usually new strength and new thoughts. I don’t work in the lab much anymore, but this profession definitely has a very high stress level, and people need to have a way to decompress. The most important thing to remember is that the patient is the priority, and whatever is going on either in your personal or professional life is not as important at that moment when the task at hand is doing the best job you can for the person who trusts you with their life.

Are you involved with the SICP or other cardiovascular societies?

I am an SICP member and have just been granted fellowship (FSICP). I am also on the educational committee developed by the SICP, which includes directors and program coordinators from all over the U.S.

Are there websites or textbooks that you would recommend?

The one text that I think is phenomenal is by Sandy Watson and Ken Gorski, titled “Invasive Cardiology: A Manual for Cath Lab Personnel.”

Do you remember participating in your first invasive procedure? 

I was a student who had very little experience with hands-on skills. I was a nervous wreck (sweating, shaking, etc.) and wondering why on earth I had decided to go through the program. I thought, “I am not qualified to be working on a living, breathing human being.” There were days going through the program that I felt very confident and thought, “Okay, I am catching on,” and then something would happen a day or two later, and I would think, “I should quit. I am never going to be able to do this.” However, lo and behold, most people get through it and become knowledgeable and skillful cardiovascular technologists. There will be times you feel incompetent, but you cannot let that stop you. You have to strive to become good at what you love. I was told when I began the program that it takes a good three years to become a good cardiovascular invasive specialist, and I wholeheartedly believe that.

If you could send a message back to yourself at the beginning of your career, what advice would you give?

Stay focused and don’t give up. Take a lot of notes, because you will never remember everything, and always ask for help when you are struggling with something.

__________________________________

SICP RCIS Review Course Information

SICP’s Signature Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Review Course & Registered Cardiac Elecrophysiology Specialist (RCES) Review Courses are designed to review information for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) RCIS & RCES registry exams. These courses will help you identify areas in which you need to concentrate your self study, or will serve as an overview for those who are preparing to take the exam(s).

We will send speakers to your facility to teach the course and you have the option of keeping this course closed for just your staff or opening it up to surrounding facilities. We offer one-, two- or even three-day courses, and work with you to create an agenda to fit the needs of your facility. We have several sample agendas to start from, but always tailor them to fit your needs.

SICP works with you to keep your cost management in line by utilizing your facilities’ meeting space, AV equipment, and other services you may be able to provide. 

We generally like to have at least 90 days to plan and implement a course. We like to quote each course separately, because we want to reduce your cost when possible, depending on what you can provide and where our instructors are coming from. Please contact Nicole Shore at nshore@sicp.com today to inquire about holding a course at your facility!
Tel: (919) 861-4546, www.sicp.com

__________________________________

SICP Membership Renewals

Enrich your professional career by renewing your membership in the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals, the only international society dedicated to promoting the practices of invasive cardiovascular professionals.  It is an exciting time to be involved with the SICP as the Society continues to grow. 

Make every effort to renew your membership as soon as possible! If you have questions regarding your membership, please email the SICP at membership@sicp.com.