Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist...

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · May 6, 2014

I know of someone who recently moved to a position like this, but I don't know anything about it myself

SeaTracer75 · May 6, 2014

Ahhhhhh ok, thanks for responding... He or she would likely be a great resource as a "newbie" to the position... I'm pretty familiar with it but wondering if everyone (newbies especially since it's changing so much,) had to take that J.A Thomas clinical competency exam to get hired. That's my situation. It's a deal-breaker they say!

Anywhoooooooo,

Thanks again HyperSaurus! :)

Bortaz, MSN, RN · May 12, 2014

I just started on May 5. Just scratched the surface of starting my orientation, which will be considerable. I have 5 years NICU experience...that's it. Law enforcement and corrections before nursing, and a nearly 10 year stretch in Customer Service management.

I have not heard any mention of a test. I'll soon be sent to ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding classes.

The VP that hired me told me I got the job on the force of my personality. Not sure if that's a good thing or not.

SeaTracer75 · May 12, 2014

good for you! You're hospital must not be using this consulting company if you didn't have to take a pre-hire test.... It's given by J. A. Thomas, not directly by the facility.. although at the facility. They pay big bucks for this program, and train you once hired, so JATA makes sure only those that pass clnical test will be considered....

awful! (aced interview but won't matter if no pass).

~PT

Alice-Marie · May 18, 2014

I've been doing it for 6 months...and love it. I didn't have to take a test, though...Good luck!!

~A

traumagirll99 · May 18, 2014

Hey there and welcome to CDI nursing! I've been in CDI little over a year now and love it. I didn't have to take a test for job but the learning curve is huge! You have to learn to reconcile your clinical thinking to the coding world way of interpreting clinical documentation. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

SeaTracer75 · May 18, 2014

Hey traumagirl, thanks for the insight....

I passed the test at least!! (fort knox lol)

I aced both interviews, including one from the JATA consulting company... will know by Wednesday if I get the job or not. VERY high standards with JA Thomas obviously, they are contracted out by the hospital (big bucks) and train you for months.... learning curve according to them is 3-9 months and they are with you in some fashion, either on site or otherwise, every step of the way.... the first month, on site every day (4 days a week). They come back a couple months later to check in... then at least quarterly for another 2 years....

Anyway... we'll see what happens, it's a wonderful opportunity and I'm definitely qualified, motivated and confident, but you never know who your competition is...

~ST

regreen · May 29, 2014

Congrats on getting the job. Most hospitals appear to be going with JAT for training. It had been a week of offsite training but now they have ramped it up to 6 weeks in house training with followup. I am studying for the exam but its like stabbing at air! What resources did you use to study?

Bortaz, MSN, RN · May 29, 2014

The learning curve is indeed huge, especially considering that I've spent the entirety of my nursing career as a NICU nurse. I'm enjoying the challenge so far, and my preceptors and VP all assure me I'm doing better than expected. About 3 weeks under my belt so far.

SeaTracer75 · May 29, 2014

Congrats on getting the job. Most hospitals appear to be going with JAT for training. It had been a week of offsite training but now they have ramped it up to 6 weeks in house training with followup. I am studying for the exam but its like stabbing at air! What resources did you use to study?

I still haven't hear word, but at least I passed that EFFING test!!!

Merck manual best resource, but about 5000 pages of reading.... hahaa so pick your spots... and print! That's what I did. Use Merck manual for "professional," the blue sites, not the red... every test is different, mine went from ABGS to pneumonias to complete heart block to Barrett's esophagus! Soooooooo random...

Suurely studying is NOT futile.... refresh all your critical care stuff for sure and hope you know the reeeeally random, and the occasionally easy questions. :)

Passing is a 70 and 10 of the 60 questions are "pre-test" questions, so you don't even know which ones count!

Not passing is a deal-breaker if JATA is involved... three interviews total (if you pass test). Last one you won't have if you don't pass. Good luck!!!!!!!! Even the JATA consultant I spoke with called it "Fort Knox," but ignore any discouraging posts and refresh refresh refresh!!!

~ST

MissyC79 · Jul 24, 2015

I know this an old post but I would like to get some feedback from other CDI since they started there position and if they still like it. CDI has been challenging for me and very competitive.