WCHCS Hosts Clinical Skills Fair - Wayne County Hospital & Clinic System

Trenna Gibbs, RRT reviews respiratory protocols with Tom Hostetter, PM.

(L-R) Josh Hysell, Ambulance Director, Dawn Christian, Quality & PEX Director, Ruthi Wagler, RN and Mike Thomas, Associate Administrator.

Mike Thomas, PS – CCP demonstrates intubation to Traci Coates, RN.

Corydon, January 27, 2016: Wayne County Hospital and Clinic System hosted a clinical skills fair last week for all clinical staff, in all departments. The purpose was to provide training opportunities to enable staff to practice and hone their skills. Held over a two day period and offered during different times to accommodate the various shifts, 6-different skill stations were offered including: IV, IO, IM, SQ insertion and administration, airway management, mega code and Phillips monitor, port and central line management, IV/PCA pump management with med administration, and vapotherm and ventilator management.

“The skills fair was designed to educate and test staff on the skills required within their scope of practice. It’s not uncommon not to utilize a particular skill on a regular basis and practice is the only way to stay sharp. We know continuous improvement is beneficial for everyone. We made it fun with lots of prizes and giveaways. The tablet grand prize went to Ruthi Wagler, RN for participation. The Dietary Department setup a station of carnival like food, popcorn, pretzels, etc. to keep everyone energized,” commented Mike Thomas, Associate Administrator.

Future plans include the addition of ongoing educational classes including interpretation of arterial blood gas (ABG); capnography (the monitoring of the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO 2) in the respiratory gases) and rapid sequence intubation. “Monitoring our skill levels and providing on-going training opportunities is essential for our staff to continue to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients,” stated Thomas.