CDS Achieving Expertise

dbutlerdbutler
in CDI Talk Archive
A different conversation string had an element within it about achieving "expertise" as a CDS that sparked some conversation, and I'd like to move that conversation into a dedicated thread. I've copied the couple of comments below. I have some things I'd like to contribute to this discussion, but wanted first to start this new thread and secondly think a bit through the topic.

Thanks to Renee, Susan & Robert for your thoughts!!

Don

6/6 9:49
Don wrote, "I've suggest a poll on how long to become an expert.....perhaps we'll see that posted."

I don't think expertise is measured by longevity, although in any specialty, it takes time to develop. I've been at it 2 1/2 years and am not even close to being an expert. Every time I start to think I know it all, I learn just how far away from knowing it all I truly am.

Renee

6/6 10:03
I would agree, I think it is very similar to nursing in that, when you think you know all there is to know about caring for patients. ...then you
need to move on. There seem to consistently be a new diagnosis or procedure, or coding rule that comes out ............... one of the aspects I love about this job! I don't know if it ties in but I have my new staff on orientation for one full year.
Thank You,
Susan Tiffany RN, CCDS

6/6 10:07
I'm with you guys. I am still learning things every day. When I was in case management, I'd tell folks they would start to feel comfortable at
about six months and start to feel like they really knew what they were doing after a year.

"Expertise" is something to strive for, but because of the changes is very hard to achieve. However, I do consider myself pretty competent though after a few years of doing this now. I know I'm not an expert.

Robert



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Comments

  • ssalinasssalinas
    edited May 2016
    The more I learn, the more I become aware of how much more there is to
    learn. It is very dangerous to think you know it all but if you think
    you do, then yes it is time to move on to something else. Stagnation
    occurs when the mind is not actively participating in seeking new ideas
    and knowledge.

    The more you know, the harder it is to take decisive action. Once you
    become informed, you start seeing complexities and shades of gray. You
    realize that nothing is as clear and simple as it first appears.
    Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (THERE'S TREASURE EVERYWHERE)
    US cartoonist (1958 - )



  • catladyrncatladyrn
    We have a nurse orienting to CDS right now who has vocalized some serious stress about about how little she knows at this point and how she thinks she should know more, especially compared to others. I tried telling her that it's ok to be a newbie and that CDS requires a steep learning curve, but she still kept tearing herself down. I finally had to tell her that I would be extremely annoyed if she had developed in six weeks the same depth of knowledge that it's taken me a couple of years and considerable blood and sweat to acquire, and that the grasshopper needs to be patient. That worked. :)

    Renee


    Linda Renee Brown, RN, CCRN, CCDS
    Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
    Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center
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