Over the last month or so, virtually every clinical person at Barton Health has gone through our Clinical Skills lab. This is where nurses and technicians have to demonstrate that they actually have the skills to do their job. It may seem redundant to outsiders, having nurses perform injections for a tester, when they perform injections every day, but it’s important that we are able to prove on a regular basis that our staff is keeping up with the latest technology and procedures.

Take hand hygiene for example. Just a few years ago, alcohol-based antibacterial rub wasn’t available in most hospitals. Doctors and nurses would do a quick hand wash in between patients. Now there is a hospital-standard process for infection control. It’s important that staff know the new procedures.

It’s good for our clients to know and have proof that all the staff is capable and knowledgeable about the requirements of their jobs.