Skills Fair

We have long used the skills fair for all our POC competencies. We used to have buckets of candy but can't do that anymore :-(  That's about the only thing the operators got excited about!
My advice is to make sure that you have a script for anyone who will be doing the observations so everyone is setting the same expectations. I'll attach what we've used in the past. The more in depth one is for the observer - tells them what to say and what steps are a "must pass". The other is something that you could have on the table if the operator prefers to read the instructions.

We always send out a pre-learning as well. Here, the education department pulls this together and it includes all stations. Any pre-learning they need to complete prior to the fair like elearns, how they can practice if they need to, and what the station will look like. I think this is really important as the fair can be nerve wracking for some people and it's sometimes difficult to perform a skill in a strange place - not in their unit and not on a real patient.

See if there is a way to set up feedback - we always have a survey monkey/other to ask if they liked the set up or what could be useful for next time. We just make changes as the years go on based on need or wants. Good luck!

validator verbage for glucometer.docx

competency assessment form glucometer FINAL.v3.docx

Thank you,  Danyel. I love the Survey Monkey suggestion!

I like Danyel's set up!
Ashley, to add to the 'check offs', I'm with you on adding color, a theme (sometimes we schedule before a holiday because staff are in a good mood!). Consider a competitive game (eg each contestant gets a go at a crossword puzzle - make it large using a trifold table poster). 
  
One activity I set up was to get across concept of connectivity. Bought a dozen 8 x 11 1/2" blank puzzles, large interlocking pieces, clearly looked like 'rows' in the puzzle. Starting with bottom row, I used pictures of the instruments we use that are connected. Top row - EPIC charts depicting patient results 'if' the correct patient ID# was used. The middle rows included the intranet/data jacks and the middleware. Tied to the middleware row was tracing the patient result from the instrument to EPIC chart if the correct patient ID was entered. Otherwise the patient result got stuck/stopped in the middleware.

I try to avoid straight data regurgitation on a poster. Sometimes 'little known facts' or a 'did you know...'. Good Luck Ashley.
 

This isn't anything cute or fun but just an easy trick... we use a blue pen scribbled on the fecal occult cards instead of a real stool or messy stool substitute. The blue will show through when they develop it just like a positive result. We have also used baby food in the past with blood in it but with skills fairs, they are usually in a room you probably don't want to bring blood to. good luck

WOW!! These ideas are so wonderful. Everyone seems to respond well to competitions. One idea would be to have a grid where the users can mark their initials on for each Unit when they get it right. At the end of the day...there can be a clear "winner" of who got most of the questions correct. :)

I just love how the POC community shares brilliance!