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Evidence-based expert: Get equipped for competency assessment

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, July 31, 2008

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This week's expert, Barbara A. Brunt, MA, MN, RN-BC, helps you identify which new equipment in your facility requires a new competency - and which doesn't.

Q. How can I tell whether that new piece of equipment calls for me to assess the competency of my staff members?

A. Not every piece of equipment triggers the need for a competency. In most cases, a simple inservice suffices. But if you find that equipment requires qualified staff members to have high levels of skill, is associated with patient safety issues, and is used often enough that the staff is able to maintain competency, the equipment may require the development of a competency. When new equipment arrives, ask yourself these questions:

• Does the equipment require high levels of skill to operate?
• Who will operate the new equipment? Must the staff have special qualifications (e.g., RN designation) to use this equipment?
• What potential patient safety risks are associated with the new equipment?
• How often will the new equipment be in use?

Have a question for our evidence-based experts? Be a part of our new feature by emailing your queries to associate editor Lindsey Cardarelli at lcardarelli@hcpro.com. See your name in print and get the answers you're looking for!

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