Competency Guidelines?

MIA-RN1, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Hello,
I'm wondering if there are any sort of competency guidelines or rules for the competency testing that is done in nursing courses. My situation is this: I was doing a competency for a nursing skills course in which I had to demonstrate gowning, figure 8 bandaging and dry sterile dressing changing. I did good on the first two oblectives, but failed the dry sterile dressing change. There were 2 instructors in the room. The 1st instructor told me I could come back another day, but then the other instructor said I had to come back in one and a half hours to redo the procedure. I had already made an appointment with a bio instructor to look at slides right after I got out of competency. So I went there. Then I went back to do the dry sterile procedure over. Well, I thought I did better, but she said I failed again and, as a result, I failed the whole course. I had an "A" average in that course too. Anyway, I was talking to students and they said it was unfair that I had to redo it the same day. They said everyone else that didn't do it right got to come back at least one or two days later. Everyone says I should talk to someone, but who? The program is maintained by the commision on collegiate nursing. I don't if they have any standards for testing. I figured I would ask here first. Any suggestions or am I stuck with what I'm stuck with (an F in the course)?

I would start first with your outline or itinerary or whatever they gave you at the outset. It should have a firm and understandable statement of how they run their competencies. Mine says that we get three tries and then they take it up in committee to discuss remediation etc. So see what it says and if it does specify the time for the re-do (mine doesn't but all the instructors make you wait until everyone else in your group is done before re-testing you and that can be the last few days of the semester).

Then you can go to the dept chairperson, or if there isn't one, whomever is in the office at your school. Administrator of student affairs maybe, or the student couseling center? I would write up a non-emotional description of what happened (don't say its not fair, but do point out others who were given the extra time) Be professional and see what they will do for you.

Good luck! I almost failed out first semester on my sterile wound care dressing change. It was the worst, most nervewracking experience of my life and I was blessed to get it the third time. i was so anxious, I broke out in hives when I was done! I feel your pain.

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Mar 25, 2006

Are the mandatory competencies not in your syllabus?

Ours tells you exactly what they are looking for.

The best way to pass is to practice the skill in front of someone who is looking at the competencty sheet and can check it off to see if you are doing all the components.