A Culture of Learning in Cardiac EP Labs and Device Clinic Settings
- Regina Kiefer
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Cultivating Clinical Excellence: How EP Labs and Device Clinics Can Spark a Culture of Learning (Without Boring Anyone to Tears)
Let’s face it—between troubleshooting noise, chasing down that missing programmer, and decoding patient rhythms that look like modern art, the pace in EP labs and device clinics doesn’t leave a lot of room for “optional activities.” So, when someone brings up professional development, you might get a few polite nods and one or two actual eye-rolls. We get it.
But what if learning wasn’t another box to check…and instead became the heartbeat of your team culture?
Learning Isn’t a Luxury. It’s Survival, but do it with style.
The most successful clinical teams we’ve seen don’t just survive the whirlwind—they thrive in it. Why? Because they’ve built something stronger than a daily rhythm strip review. They’ve created a culture of learning.
Not in a forced, “everyone must attend this 3-hour webinar or else” kind of way. We're talking about something more organic. More human. More… fun?
Yes. Fun.
A Culture of Learning Means:
Sharing unusual arrhythmia stories that turn into case studies.
Asking the “dumb” questions out loud—and finding out they’re not dumb at all.
Getting curious about things like why that patient’s AV delay was off—and walking away with a lightbulb moment, instead of just a shrug.
Encouraging each other to get credentialed—not because HR said so, but because you want to be better at what you do.
But How Do You Actually Build That Culture? Glad you asked.
🔍 1. Create a Learning Lab—It's a Vibe.
In a learning lab, you expect a variety of experiences—think about access to a community of curated resources, real-talk interviews with clinicians in the field, and skill-building pathways that help you get from “I’ve heard of CRT optimization” to “I just learned how to optimize a CRT device for a patient in heart failure.”
Oh, and let’s make space for those "Wait, is the actual mechanism of the rhythm on the monitor?" questions from new techs and seasoned pros alike. Post them on your community forum—and watch the crowd chime in with wisdom, sarcasm, and maybe even a meme or two.
🎯 2. Credentialing Is a Team Sport (Not a Solo Climb)
Want to see more RCES or CCDS badges on scrubs? Create a timeline. Assign mentors and coaches. Celebrate milestones. Maybe even throw in a snack cart on study days (trust us—knowledge retention increases with snacks). 😑
When leaders share their own credentialing journeys—and the moments they thought they’d never pass—it builds a kind of contagious confidence.
IBHRE endorsed CEPS and RCES resource.
🧠 3. Microlearning Over Mind-Numbing Textbooks
Forget the marathon lectures. Instead, try:
A “Case of the Week” challenge.
A 5-minute huddle quiz (winner gets coffee).
"Where's the PVC" ice cream challenge @Jen Busch 🍦
EP question of the week
These bite-sized moments build big-picture expertise over time.
🫶 4. Recognize the Learners, Not Just the Leaders
Recognize the newbie who finally mastered venous access. Not just the “experts." Celebrate the quiet team member who keeps sharing helpful clinical posts in the group chat. Embrace the curious new team members who are enthusiastic about lightbulb moments!
Visit the CHART Blog page for more information about CHART coaching and becoming a CHART Certified Coach.
Recognition fuels repetition. And repetition? That builds culture.
🌱 5. Turn the Clinic into a Classroom (Sort Of)
Every patient encounter is a chance to learn. What went well? What confused you? What could be done differently next time? Open that door in team debriefs and pre-procedure huddles. When curiosity is normalized, clinical excellence follows.
TL; DR?
Start Small. Stay Curious. Celebrate Growth.
At the end of the day, creating a culture of learning isn’t about having a fancy LMS or a perfectly designed training plan (though hey, those help). It’s about creating a space where people want to learn—because they feel safe, supported, and inspired.
And when that happens? You don’t just elevate your team. You elevate patient care. You attract the kind of talent who want to stay and grow. And you become known not just for your clinical outcomes, but also for your commitment to continually improving as clinicians and as a team every single day.
Now, it’s time to stop waiting on someone else and start rolling up your sleeves—because real progress starts when you do.
Express your ideas on what actions define a culture of learning.
Share your thoughts in the blog comments. They matter.
Regina is the Director of Professional Development at CHART Healthcare Academy, where she supports Cardiac Electrophysiology and Device Clinic teams through education, coaching, and onboarding solutions. With a passion for lifelong learning and team growth, she’s dedicated to helping healthcare professionals build confidence, competence, and a culture of continuous commitment to excellence.
Get connected with Regina on LinkedIn.
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