Performing cardiac stress test.

[Big_Sky_Guy]

I was just wondering if anyone out there performs cardiac stress testing, Excercise Treadmill Testing... as an NP. I have a strong cardiac background as an ICU/Cardiac Cath Lab RN, and have been practicing in the hospital as an NP for 3 Months. I am starting some training on administering the Treadmills. The Hospitalists I work with were hoping I could find a CME or Certification for ETT's. Does anyone know of any workshops or programs?

[caldje]

Yup.

http://www.npinstitute.com

http://www.npinstitute.com/Course.asp?pid=40&UID=

has a basic and advanced course. Good Luck!

[Big_Sky_Guy]

Thanks for that. That was the only one that I could find, and it just surprised me that there weren't any other programs out there.

[core0]

Most cardiology groups train for this internally. Most of them have an office set up and will have you do a number in the office so that they can credential you in the hospital. Realistically most hospitals are going to want you to have demonstrated a number of tests done under supervision on real people. The training can be done either by NPPs in the office or the physicians. One sign of a place you don't want to be is when the "training" consists of a book and "doing some".

David Carpenter, PA-C

[DaisyRN, ACNP]

i'm a new np (grad in dec)... and am doing stress tests independently now. of course, with a doc just a phone call away, if needed. i learned by reading on my own and training on the job with my physicians and the exercise physiologist that does them in our office. i would suggest printing the following article out for your reference... http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2961.htm i referenced this quite a bit when starting out. it does a good job of outlining the "right" way to do the tests... such as dobutamine stress testing. none of the docs i work with go the full 12 min to get the heart rate up, they either rush the titration or just jump right in to the atropine iv pushes. i understand their rationalization, but the article helps me know what i am "suppose" to do. :) and most of the docs will admit they don't always do the testing "by the book," but anyway... use your own resources that you find and have your physicians train you.

also, i would suggest discussing how they want the documentation to read, what you should include in your conclusions, and tips of the trade...

good luck!

[JEKA]

HI Daisy,

I just wanted to say thanks for the great info/link.

I plan on printing out that article and keeping it with me in the office. You always have great information and I look forward to reading your posts.