POC assistant

Unless you are running the I-STAT as a waived device at your facility, they will need a Bachelor's of Science degree to perform competency recertifications.  We have trainers on the floor that have a BSN or other science degree that completes the competencies and sends them to me.

I would not look at anyone with less than 3 years of experience in Chemistry  (preferably with an ISTAT) to assist in POCT and they would have to have a BS.  RN who help with ISTAT comps as experts are BS degreed and must have at least 2 years of experience with the ISTAT to assist. The same qualifications are needed in my Respiratory Therapy departments to sign off on ISTAT comps.

In the Lab, it might be possible for an MLT to assist in comps. I remember something a CAP inspector said about this, but do not remember the particulars.

I would check with CAP....but without a BS....as I understand it, you can't sign off on non-waived comps.

Deanna Bogner 210-297-9657

To access competency for the istat they must have a BS in a science and have two years of experience per clia. Anything less you will be dinged.

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We run our iSTAT non-waived (High Complexity) so only RN's can use the iSTAT - I have champions on each unit that qualify to be a high level and competent to validate other RN's and Professional Nursing Practice.  Also, myself and POCC are MT's. 

I would check your DOH State Regulations and see who falls under waived and non-waived testing- it usually is state driven on the complexity levels and what license's fall under that category.

Feel free to email me at bpost@ghvhs.org for competency worksheet

Hello Valerie,

This are CAP standards: CAP GEN: 55510 Qualifications of Individuals Assessing Competency:

If the test on the iStat is waived then an MLT can help with recertification as long as the lab director designates them. "determined by lab director."

If the test is moderately complex the minimum qualifications for assessors:" Technical consultant or individual meeting those qualifications" i.e., LAB GEN 53635 "Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with a least 2 year of training and or experience in nonwaived testing" *the technical consultant's training and experience must be in the designated specialty or subspecialty are of service for which the individual is responsible.  Chemistry/Blood Gas of whatever tests running on the handheld iStat. This also requires the 6 elements of competency!

Our lab has one moderately complex test and 2 BSRN observes all the staff and each other.  I do the rest of the six points.  You could have skills days & nights scheduled in 2-4 hour blocks that everyone has to attend. If you have a professional development department or BSRN educators maybe they could help you.

Amanda

So I'm going to be hiring a POC assistant soon as well, but this person will basically be doing things like labeling and delivering supplies, checking QC logs, entering data into EP Evaluator, etc. That way my POC Coordinators have more time to do the training and competency assessment that requires a Bachelor plus 2. Just a thought...

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Does anyone have a formula or guidelines for justification for more hours for their point of care department?  Is the any general rules for x number of users / poc devices etc that can be used for justifying additional manpower.  Or anything that would aid in getting higher uppers so see the need for additional hours for the point of care department.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.