What is the best action for a charge nurse to take when a practical nurse claims to have excellent wound care skills?

In situations where a practical nurse asserts expertise in a specific area, such as wound care, it is crucial for the charge nurse to ensure that the claimed skills align with the practical nurse's actual abilities. Verifying the practical nurse’s skills through direct observation serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, direct observation allows the charge nurse to assess the practical nurse's techniques, knowledge of wound care protocols, and adherence to safety measures in real-time, thereby ensuring patient safety and optimal care delivery. This step is essential because competencies can vary widely among nurses, and self-reported skills may not always reflect actual performance abilities.

Additionally, practical application of skills can reveal gaps in knowledge or practice that may need addressing, even if the nurse believes they are proficient. By witnessing the practical nurse in action, the charge nurse also creates an opportunity for immediate feedback and coaching, reinforcing best practices or identifying areas for further training if needed.

This proactive approach fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the healthcare team. It emphasizes the importance of skill validation and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. In this context, direct observation proves to be the most effective and responsible action to take in response to the practical nurse's claim.