Continuing education for healthcare professionals is often done online because it is convenient for both instructors and staff members. However, psychomotor competencies are best assessed through hands-on demonstrations. This article will describe how clinical educators can use skills trainers to develop annual competencies for nurses and respiratory therapists in healthcare facilities. 

IV & Injection Skills

The Life/form Advanced Injection IV Simulator Arm is an ideal tool for assessing venipuncture skills and correct use of safety mechanisms to prevent needlestick injuries. Hundreds of venipunctures may be performed before the skin needs to be replaced, and a single external fluid bag supplies simulated blood to all of the veins simultaneously. Educators can also use the same IV simulator arm with simulated Tuberculin PPD vials to validate intradermal injection skills. The deltoid muscle site can be used for IM injections with simulated influenza (Flulaval) vaccine vials.  

Advanced IV Therapy Skills

VATA Chester Chest & Peter PICC Line skills trainers are excellent for validating competencies related to all types of central catheters. Chester Chest is designed for staff nurses to demonstrate how to change central line dressings and access implanted ports. Interchangeable inserts allow simulation of normal, tipped, wandering, and deeply placed ports. Simulated blood bags can be used to provide blood return when ports are accessed successfully. Peter PICC allows the teaching, practice and assessment of placing peripherally inserted central catheters. The replaceable translucent arm features barely visible blue cephalic, basilic and median basilic veins and the distal tip of the PICC can be viewed in the superior vena cava. Palpable ribs even allow measurement for catheter length to correct intercostal space. 

Simulated Blood Products

Transfusion of blood and blood products is an essential skill competency because it is liable to error at any point in the journey from donor to recipient. SimLabSolutions offers a full range of SimRx simulated blood products including plasma, platelets and packed red blood cells in all eight A/B/O blood types. They are packaged in real blood bags with correctly formatted labels and barcoded patient identification stickers. SimRx stainless simulated blood bags are made from a proprietary formula that is safe for use with Chester Chest, Peter PICC, Injection IV Simulator Arm and other skills trainers. 

Chest Tube Management 

Many nurses find chest tube care intimidating, especially patient assessment and managing complications. The Life/form Chest Tube Manikin has a tension pneumothorax in the upper anterior chest with a foot pump to create pressure within the pleural space. The lower lateral chest area has a pleural effusion that requires drainage with a closed water-seal drainage system. The drainage fluid color, volume, and viscosity is controlled by the instructor. SimRx stainless blood can be used to simulate sanguineous drainage.  

Tracheostomy Care 

The Life/form Patient Education Tracheostomy Care Set allows clinicians to demonstrate techniques for tracheal suctioning, cuff inflation, and dressing changes. Cleansing and maintenance of the external tracheal site can be performed just as on an actual patient. The jaw is flexible to allow oral suctioning and the trachea branches into the left and right bronchial trees. The set includes one adult and one infant manikin along with uncuffed tracheostomy tubes for training. These manikins are also ideal for teaching patients and caregivers the tracheostomy care skills they will need to perform at home.

Key Takeaway

Skills trainers allow educators to include hands-on skills demonstrations and validations to annual staff competencies. These teaching tools realistically replicate patient conditions to ensure that clinicians use best practices when performing techniques. They also enable educators to create standardized training scenarios for consistent evaluation rubrics. The DiaMedical USA team is ready to help educators balance cost and functionality in order to find the right skills trainers for their facility. For more information, reach out to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com