Oncology Nurses Undergo Competency Revalidation

Once a year Duke Cancer Institute nurses undergo competency revalidation sessions. In October, oncology nurses visited competency stations where vital information was paired with games and memory exercises to ensure maximum recall when needed most.

“Our annual competency revalidations confirm that the nursing team is performing duties and tasks safely and properly,” explained Mary Ann Plambeck, MSN, RN, OCN, clinical operations director. “The games are a fun way to review content and test knowledge.”

Nurses are required to complete online modules in advance of the hands-on training. Competency revalidation ensures procedures are aligned with the latest professional guidelines. Competency stations included the Pleurx Catheter Care station, the Vaccine Administration Care Station, the Blood Culture Policy/Specimen Labeling/Safe Patient Transfer Station and the Code Cart and Portable Suction Station. This year, more than 140 nurses took part in the competency revalidation at Duke Cancer Center.