Skill's Fair for the E.D.

cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 25, 2012

I think it depends on what skills do you allow your med techs. to do in the ED. I know in the ED I worked in we could place patient's on a monitor (3 Leads, Pulse Ox and B/P), perform EKGs, perform urine dips, obtain and document V/S in the computer, obtain blood glucose readings etc.

:specs: Chris

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2012

As an RN who has been through more skills fairs than I care to remember, I have just one thought. I know you want to make it interesting and fun, but remember, these folks are coming in on their day off, or someone is covering for them while they are on duty, so make it fast and simple. When I attend these types of functions where attendance is mandatory and must be completed on a regular basis, that is how I want it.

Have as few hoops as possible. The best ones are where there are multiple stations, open for many hours that allow one to go through them without having to wait in line, fill out mindless paperwork and take little quizzes. Have one check off sheet that anyone who is demonstrating can sign off. If you must have a little quiz for things like urine testing, accuchecks, etc., have them all together. I hate when I have to put my name, employee number, department and date on top of endless pieces of paper. Keep the paperwork as concise as possible.

I don't know your staff, but I hate it when we have to go to corporate run inservices, presentations, etc. where they feel they must entertain us. I want to get in, get it done and get out. My advice is to not over think it. You are dealing with adults, not school aged kids, so make it as painless as possible.

Good luck and let us know how it goes :)

merlee · Apr 25, 2012

It's a Skills Fair, no apostrophe. Otherwise, no one is very good at it!!!

I agree, keep it as simple as possible - - one sheet, ID info at top, list of stations with a place for each demonstrator to sign, as much hands-on as possible.

If there needs to be testing, have it done at each setting, try to keep it to 5 questions per station.

Call around to other hospitals for info - you should not have to reinvent the wheel.

Best wishes!!

brillohead, ADN, RN · Apr 25, 2012

It's a Skills Fair, no apostrophe. Otherwise, no one is very good at it!!!

AMEN! Definitely have someone proofread all of your printed materials and any signage.

It's really frustrating to be expected to learn from someone who doesn't have a command of the most basic language skills. (I have a nursing instructor like this.... hard to take someone seriously when they can't even pay enough attention to put a period at the end of a sentence... that's a skill taught in KINDERGARTEN for crying out loud!)

You don't want people focused on improper grammar/spelling/punctuation when they should be focused on the skills being discussed. If grammar isn't your thing, just find someone like me who is anal/obsessive about stuff like that to go over your materials for you -- there's one of us in every facility! (I'm currently proofing classmates' papers that are due tomorrow -- everyone in my class knows where to go for editing help!)

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

It's a Skills Fair, no apostrophe. Otherwise, no one is very good at it!!!

I was going to ask who Skill is, and why he can't organize his own fair ;-)

Apostrophe S is a contraction or a sign of ownership: she's going to the bar (she is going to the bar) or we're meeting at Megan's bar (Megan owns the bar or goes there so often she might as well own the darn thing). Plurals never (never never never) have the apostrophe.

It's really frustrating to be expected to learn from someone who doesn't have a command of the most basic language skills.

Agreed. My nurse educator has major issues with subject-verb agreement. Basic, basic stuff. I get so distracted wondering how someone can go on to get an MSN without being able to construct a sentence properly, I need someone to pat my back while softly whispering "there, their, they're."

brillohead, ADN, RN · Apr 26, 2012

I get so distracted wondering how someone can go on to get an MSN without being able to construct a sentence properly, I need someone to pat my back while softly whispering "there, their, they're."

OMG, I think we were separated at birth!

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

I agree with keeping it simple and concise. I like trying things at each station with an instructor, but I feel more worried about trying something new if it's preceded by "You'll be tested on this." because I start wondering what will happen if I don't do well enough.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

Hi Everyone! I need your HELP!! =) I am a new educator and am in charge of developing a skill's fair for the med tech (nursing assistants). Any creative ideas? I have the content set but I need to come up with how I'll present it. I was thinking games and then started thinking of an Olympic theme. Any thoughts?
THANK YOU!!!! =)

I know you are a new educator and want to do the best....but a performance or games are really irritating to ED staff. :madface: I agree with Dixie....short and simple.

Remember to KISS :kissthe staff with information (Keep It Simple Silly). Set up stations with the information key points on display/presentation board with pre-printed question and answer sheet with all the information but the participants name....set up at various stations through out the room. Keep the room open all hours for all staff to complete task.

Remember the personality of an ED nurse......they want the facts and leave out the extraneous information that isn't pertinent to what they need to do.....and be quick about it..... they have things they need to do.

Appeal to this and they will be happy AND compliant. :smokin:

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

Agree with the above posts. Want people to take skill proficiency seriously? Then leave out silly themes. Focus on the task at hand. Some useful token of appreciation is nice if there is a budget for it - something like badge holders or a pack of pens or a coupon for the hospital cafeteria.

SMARN · Apr 30, 2012

Plurals never (never never never) have the apostrophe.

Surely someone with such grammar anxiety knows that's not true.

I will concede that there are very few instances where it can be used correctly, however it's not "never (never never never)".

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 30, 2012

Okay, grammar police ... this is a staff request to stay on topic, please. Thanks.

Back to the subject: agree with the others that themes, etc., are distracting and annoying. Pretend your learners are all kids with ADD. :) Give them what the Army calls "BLUF" -- bottom line up front.