Annual Nursing Competency Skills Fair

[Island RN]

Looking to see what other organizations are doing for annual skills competency. Do you hold an Annual Skills fair? If so, can you share how the skills fair format works for your organization? What topics do you cover? All departments? How many days? How many staff come through? We are on our 3rd annual Skills Fair. Looking for fresh ideas.

Appreciate your feedback.

[WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN]

We have. There is usually several really great ones that help departments see what others' do. I always enjoyed the RT or cardiopulmonary tables which usually showcased common mistakes made with equipment and how to fix them; The ED and CCU have neat booths that teach some assessment skills or equipment usage, and med/surg often trots out new processes to show their quality improvement projects. It's a smaller version of shared governance, I guess. Well, not exactly, but I'm not sure how else to describe it. Oh, lab has shown up as well to remind nurses and techs the appropriate technique and order of blood draws.

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

The facility I work for is large enough that we actually have 4 to 5 competencies a year. CPR and fit testing are not included in these. I prefer it this way because we spend maybe 30min max at watch comp.

Topics: mock code, IV care and access, foley insertion and care, basic wound care, use of transfer equipment (blue tubes, maxi glides, lifts, etc), PPE, PCA pumps (including meds allowed on what floor), mixing meds in mini-bags, and more I can't think of right now. Some units have individual comps they are required to demonstrate: Onc/Palliative have port access, deaccess and dressing change. Tele floors are required to pass the basic dysrhythmia class.

I know there are more but can't remember them. This year we did a "one and done" due to a change in EMR. Next year, back to the same old/same old.