Q:
How often should nursing respiratory competencies be evaluated?
A:
Respiratory competency checks should be performed regularly and anytime there’s a specific reason to make sure staff can safely provide respiratory care—such as when new equipment is introduced. At a minimum, competencies should be evaluated:
- Upon hire: New nurses should demonstrate respiratory skills during orientation to confirm they can safely follow orders, use equipment correctly, and recognize changes in a resident’s condition.
- Annually: Yearly competency reviews help reinforce best practices, address skill drift, and ensure staff remain current with policies, equipment, and regulatory expectations.
- When new respiratory equipment or procedures are introduced: Anytime the facility adds new oxygen delivery systems, suction equipment, ventilatory support, or treatment protocols, staff should receive training and validations before providing care.
- After a change in resident acuity: if residents require more complex respiratory care, such as increased oxygen requirements, frequent nebulizer treatments, or tracheostomy care, competency should be reassessed to align with the higher level of care.
- Following an incident, error, or identified performance gap: When a respiratory-related concern occurs, reassessment helps identify learning needs, prevents repeat issues, and supports safe practices going forward.
Contact Proactive for SNF Nurse Consulting Support including review of clinical and staff development programs.
Written By:
Eleisha Wilkes, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-CT, DNS-CT
Senior Consultant
Proactive LTC Consulting
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