"Skills Lab" for JCAHO compliance

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2009

Ah yes, annual competencies... :nurse: Typically you shouldn't need to validate every single skill that is done. Try to narrow it down to "high risk", "low volume", and/or "problem prone". That has worked for us in the past.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 8, 2009

I too wish JC would just make a list of what they want.

I recommend you get a copy of the standards. They are available at the JC website. The above post is correct, at least that has worked for us in the past. We have a new policy on blood transfusions so we are doing a skills lab on that but otherwise each dept is doing what is needed for their own nurses.

DeeAngel · Apr 8, 2009

I would have like to have been able to read your post but the font was so small I'm unable to read it.

lpnflorida · Apr 8, 2009

Each year we have to show profeciency in using glucometers and how to test the meters, restraints. We show how we would example soft restraint how it would be tied to the patient how to the bed we then verbalized how it is determined that restraints are to be used and verbalize how often a patient is checked etc. Those are the two stations that jumped into my head I can't recall what the other 8 stations were.

Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN · Apr 8, 2009

Each year we have to show profeciency in using glucometers and how to test the meters, restraints. We show how we would example soft restraint how it would be tied to the patient how to the bed we then verbalized how it is determined that restraints are to be used and verbalize how often a patient is checked etc. Those are the two stations that jumped into my head I can't recall what the other 8 stations were.

We have those and some of the others were PCA pump, this year we have new ones. The new stages to id dermal wounds. Always have a crash cart that the person on that station ask "which drawer is _____ in". And this year we had the fairly new mechanical lifts. Some stations are just RN's and LPN's ,the NA don't have to check off on. We have to check off on all of them.

Generally have Restraints, crash cart, and then what is new or changed or staff is having a problem doing.

Have had several using the safety standards in the past also.

cherex74369 · Apr 11, 2009

Reposted with Larger Fonts:

Good Day...........

Our facility has to have some record of yearly nursing proficiency/skills on all nursing personel to meet JCAHO compliance. The problem is, no one can decide just what should be covered/included in these yearly check-offs. I feel like a dope asking a 20+ yr. "vet" of hands-on patient care to demonstrate to me the proper techniques to place a foley or to do oral care!! That's Basic Nursing 101!

I can't find anyone in my facility who has the answer or even part of an answer that helps me out. My thoughts are that yearly skills should cover anything NEW in regards to policies/procedures/standards, etc. and should not re-hash the everyday basics that most people can perform with their eyes closed.

If anyone would like to share what their facilties do to meet these JCAHO guidelines, I'd appreciate some input here.

Thank You!!!

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Appreciate input from everyone so far!! :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

I am 1 person trying to do skills lab for 150+ nursing emloyees (CNA's, Nurse Techs, LPN's & RN's) at my facility, so this really helps. And from what I've read so far, I think I'm on the right track. I am using the '09 Patient Safety goals as a basis of what skills I am currently putting in my lab, but I can't help but feel some things are too remedial for the more expereienced staff.

Another question....Should the Lab be for the licensed staff only, or should we continue to include the non-licensed staff (i.e. CNA's) as well?

Keep On Postin', and I'll Keep Readin'!!! Thanks SO much!! :specs:

Straydandelion · Apr 11, 2009

I would have like to have been able to read your post but the font was so small I'm unable to read it.

I had problems also.. copy and paste onto notepad:

Good Day...........
Our facility has to have some record of yearly nursing proficiency/skills on all nursing personel to meet JCAHO compliance. The problem is, no one can decide just what should be covered/included in these yearly check-offs. I feel like a dope asking a 20+ yr. "vet" of hands-on patient care to demonstrate to me the proper techniques to place a foley or to do oral care!! That's Basic Nursing 101!
I can't find anyone in my facility who has the answer or even part of an answer that helps me out. My thoughts are that yearly skills should cover anything NEW in regards to policies/procedures/standards, etc. and should not re-hash the everyday basics that most people can perform with their eyes closed.
If anyone would like to share what their facilties do to meet these JCAHO guidelines, I'd appreciate some input here.
Thank You!!!

Our facillity had a check sheet and table set up with different information on certain skills. Some were read, some read and demonstrate though it was fairly casual meaning nurses etc could come and enjoy seeing others from different floors. Certain times were set up during the day and they could leave the floor, or come after work. Sometimes even cookies were arranged to be out per dietary. I realize nurses and seasoned healthcare workers..some of the things shown were same-ole same-ole, yet the time was made interesting due to the set-up and everyone knew it was JCAHO compliant. The skills lab was also tied into the yearly evaluation, in other words, the yearly eval couldn't be done until proof of the skills lab (check sheet signed per instructor) so everyone was compliant in making sure it was done. I don't know JCAHO standards at present but thought this information would

give some ideas for you.