All of us who have chosen to work in cardiac catheterization and EP laboratories come from a variety of backgrounds: nursing, cardiovascular technology, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, emergency medical technology, and others. We comprise a group of allied health professionals, which generically can be termed invasive cardiovascular professionals. We are committed to administer the highest quality patient care by working as a cohesive team with physicians and each other. The quote above from Gutzon Borglum the artist, sculptor, and engineer who created the Mount Rushmore National Monument, should parallel our personal beliefs and work ethics. We must always strive to do better. Our goal must be to competently, and safely, perform all the duties related to diagnostic and interventional procedures performed in our invasive cardiovascular laboratories.

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) administers a number of certification and registry examinations for various allied health professionals in cardiovascular medicine. Among these examinations is the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist, RCIS. Should all of us who work in invasive cardiovascular laboratories be credentialed as an RCIS? The CCI RCIS examination provides verification and validation of knowledge of the invasive cardiovascular professional. Nationwide, invasive cardiovascular laboratories are a melting pot of allied health disciplines. The exams offered by CCI are inclusive, and do not discriminate on the basis of professional background. Each of our backgrounds, nursing, cardiology, radiology, emergency medicine, etc., bring something to the table that ultimately benefits the patients for whom we care. Becoming an RCIS does not mean that each member has given up the field from which they came. The RCIS is an advanced credential, similar to the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse). However, expertise in one area, such as critical care nursing, cannot imply expertise in another, such as the invasive cardiac laboratory. The RCIS exam is specific to the knowledge and skills required of members of the invasive cardiac lab team. For this reason, the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals endorses the RCIS as the unifying credential of choice in our field.

A few months ago, I wrote how I was seeking input from you, the members and Fellows of the SICP, to review, revise, and update our professional standards documents and position statements. Society members have come forward, and we are beginning to work on a number of tasks. Our goals of the Professional Standards Committee for 2007 include:

#1 Review/Revise the following documents:
Role Expectations for Cardiac Catheterization (and EP) Lab Managers
Entry of Health Professionals Who Practice In the Cardiac Catheterization and EP Laboratories
Orientation Standards
Staffing in the Cardiac Catheterization and EP Laboratories
Scope of Practice for the Cardiovascular Invasive Professional
Resolution in Support of the National Guard and Military Reserve

#2 Create New Position Statements:
JCAHO Patient Safety Goals (particularly Hand Off Communication)
Cath and EP Laboratory Dress Code
Conscious Sedation/Medication Administration by RCIS in the Catheterization and EP Laboratories
Non-employee (i.e., vendor) qualifications, performance, and competence of individual brought into the hospital to provide care, treatment, or services in the hospital (EP, device reps)
Clinical Ladder for Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists in the Cath and EP Labs

Among the most important of these are the Orientation Standards and Scope of Practice. The Orientation Standards define the minimum knowledge and skills that are necessary to work in invasive cardiovascular laboratories, directing the quality of care provided for our patients. The Scope of Practice defines all of the various functions of non-physician personnel. The Scope is intended to cover current practices across all areas of the country. In some areas, local and state regulations may place stricter regulations over practices, while in other states, the Scope will provide a professional document to support our profession.

We have a lot of work ahead of us in the coming months.