Improving the Competency of Nurses

J Infus Nurs. 2020 Nov/Dec;43(6):357-368. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000395.

Abstract

To decrease infusion pump administration errors, time-consuming training is often initiated. The aims of this study were twofold: to develop minimum competency requirements for programming and operation of infusion pumps and to develop and validate a test for nurses based on those requirements. The test was completed by 226 nurses between May and December 2017. This study demonstrates that testing is a promising method to assess the competency of nurses in using medical devices. Moreover, test acceptability among nurses is high. Using competency requirements to develop a test offers the potential to tailor training needs and reduce training time.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence / standards*
  • Home Infusion Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps*
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control*
  • Nursing Staff / standards*