Need advice filling out skills competency checklist

[TechieRN]

Hi to all -

Anyone have advice for me in regards to filling out a skills competency checklist? I am a relatively new

RN (under 2 years) and have never done agency nursing before. This checklist covers basics, CCU / CIVCU

and asks for each area - length of time and proficiency. Thanks for any help! :)

[Reigen]

Hi to all -

Anyone have advice for me in regards to filling out a skills competency checklist? I am a relatively new

RN (under 2 years) and have never done agency nursing before. This checklist covers basics, CCU / CIVCU

and asks for each area - length of time and proficiency. Thanks for any help! :)

The form should have a formula for proficiency such as

1 never done no experience

2 limited experience need supervision and or training

3 experienced and need no supervison

4 able to teach the skill to others

lenght of time is for each skill for example

inserting foley catheters (you have been a RN for 2 years correct?) 24 months

I hope this helps

[TechieRN]

It does; thank you! I been an RN for 18 months and never done agency nursing before. I was questioning the "frequencies". Frankly I have worked in CCU/CVICU and learned alot, but I don't always get ...for instance; an IABP case regularly. I can state my 1-2 years overall experience but in terms of proficiency, for example - although I've been around alot of them, I haven't received that many pts with them and therefore the "timing" issue was of concern to me. Ex: They ask if I cared for those cases less than 6x's per year, every couple of months, or weekly. It almost seems to be a judgment call to me and I've never had to fill one of these checklists out before for an agency. I was hoping for a little guidance in terms of agency nursing. What do they use these skill checklists for? I would have a tendency to underestimate my skill level - you know; underpromise and over deliver. Thought I'd reach out for direction to those of you who perhaps have experience with them. Thanks!

[Reigen]

I think I understand a little better now, if you only have slight experience with a certain skill, take a few minutes and add up the times you actually took care of a patient needing that skill ( art line pressure for example) then try to add up the amount of time in months/years that you actually worked with that skill.

The skill checklist is used when sent to facillities, so that they(manaer of the facility) can look over your skillset and see if what you have skills/knowldge in matches what they are looking for/needing on the unit/floor that has an opening. Also the agency can submit this checklist along with other information about you so that the facillity can make a choice about you and your skills and level of proficency based on the information.

Good Luck-- I've worked agency off and on for over 20 years now as well as doing travel and staff nursing. I LOVE the fact that I get to choose where and when I get to work with agency, or just pick up a shift here or there for some extra spending money.

[larleo]

Reigen,

What travel agencies did you work for or could you recommend? I am researching working in St Thomas with a travel company. Thanks for any info!

larleo

[Reigen]

I have used several for assignments in the US that were "good" for me. I have found that one agency may not be the right fit for the traveler. However, the following agencies have been highly reccommended for travel nursing to the Virgin Isalnds. Also here is the VI board of Nursing information as well.

Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure

PO Box 304247 Veterans Drive Station St. Thomas, VI 00803 Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Contact Person: Diane Ruan-Viville, MA, BSV, RN, Territorial Executive Director

Professional Nursing Service

1196 W. So. Jordan Pkwy., Suite C

South Jordan, Utah 84095

Toll Free: 800.777.6430 Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Worldwide Travel Staffing

2829 Sheridan Drive

Tonawanda, New York 14150

Local Phone: [phone]

Toll Free Phone: [phone]

Toll Free Fax: [phone]

Email: [email protected]