Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

How should a charge nurse evaluate staff competency with new IV pumps?

1. Ask each nurse to read the procedure and sign a form acknowledging competency.

2. Allow time during the workday when each nurse can demonstrate proficiency.

3. Require each nurse to take a written examination about new equipment.

4. Verbally question the staff about the new equipment.

The correct answer is: Allow time during the workday when each nurse can demonstrate proficiency.

Evaluating staff competency with new IV pumps requires a practical approach that ensures nurses can effectively use the equipment in real-world scenarios. Allowing each nurse time during the workday to demonstrate proficiency enables direct observation of their skills and understanding of the new IV pumps. This hands-on assessment is critical because it allows the charge nurse to identify areas where additional training may be needed and ensures that nurses are comfortable and competent in using the equipment before they use it with patients. This method also fosters a supportive learning environment, encouraging nurses to ask questions and seek guidance during the demonstration. While other approaches, like reading procedures, written examinations, or verbal questioning, may provide some insight into a nurse's understanding, they do not adequately confirm the ability to perform the tasks required with the new pumps. These methods lack the practical component essential for ensuring true competency and may fail to fully assess a nurse's hands-on skills necessary for patient care.