How to Recognize Existing Skills in Nursing
Nurses play a vitally important role in the medical field. A competent and effective nurse can help patients recover more quickly from illness. Mastery of essential nursing skills such as effectual communication, an understanding of human psychology and the ability to perform fundamental nursing procedures without inflecting additional pain are very important. Nursing supervisors can help nurses become better nurses. Supervisors can also reward nurses who have consistently demonstrated their excellence in the field.
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Instructions
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Give nurses a multiple choice exam. To become a nurse one must pass the National Counsel Licensure Exam (NCLEX). However, once nurses enter the workforce they may forget specific terms or other nursing-related materials. Have nurses illustrate they still remember the fundamental foundations of nursing practice with a test composed of short answers. The material may reference subjects found on the NCLEX such as safety and infection control and reduction of risk potential.
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Administer a separate written section. Design a separate essay section of the exam that asks nurses to write about essential medical procedures such as the steps involved in inserting an intravenous medication needle and how to correctly change a patient's bandages to assist in maximum healing. Have all materials on hand for the nurse to use before you begin. The nurse should be able to demonstrate each step correctly.
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Direct observation. Observe nurses directly doing their jobs. Spend an hour with the nurse in question as she works with patients. Note how she responds to patient complaints and interacts with doctors and her fellow nurses. Have a close look at her charting and how she manages her time to get all necessary tasks done.
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Reward nurses for excellence. Nurses who demonstrate competence in any observed area should be rewarded for it. Hand out prizes such as gift certificates to local businesses the nurse can use on his day off. Offer paid company lunches each month for nurses who demonstrate consistent excellence. During the lunch give out personal tributes and toasts to celebrate each nurse's accomplishments in front of his peers.
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References
- Photo Credit nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
