LASER OPERATOR TRAINING AND COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT IN THE COMMUNITY-HOSPITAL SETTING

At the 279 bed Marymount community hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, the impo rtance of providing a safe laser environment for patients as well as s taff was identified. The decision was made to cross-train all full-tim e RNs, LPNs, and SAs to allow flexibility in staffing all laser proced ures with a qualified operator. A competency based training program wa s implemented, utilizing a combination of techniques to assist the adu lt learner. Selected video tapes were used to teach laser physics and applications. Comprehension was assessed through written and oral quiz zing. Individual time was spent familiarizing trainees with the equipm ent and accessories. Practice setups were performed until that individ ual reached a comfort level satisfactory to him/her and the laser coor dinator. Actual experience in the various surgical specialties was dep endent upon our case load. Initially very close supervision was provid ed. Each trainee was gradually given more autonomy as his/her skills i mproved and permitted to operate the laser independently after passing our competency assessment. During the first year, each operator was g iven competency assessment reviews at regular intervals. This approach was found to have both strengths and weaknesses and the program was m odified accordingly.