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SIERRA VIEW MEDICAL CENTER
WRITTEN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Tag No.: A0885
Based on interview and record review, the hospital failed to ensure a competency validation was completed according to policy and procedure for one Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA-specially trained nurses work directly with surgeons to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and during an operation, assist the surgeon with tasks). This failure had the potential to negatively impact patient safety.
Findings:
During a concurrent interview with the Human Resources Director (HRD) and review of personnel file for the RNFA , on 6/5/19, at 11 AM, the HRD reviewed the competency evaluation for the RNFA . It was noted there was no documentation the RNFA completed the Initial Evaluation of Competence by completing six proctored (with supervision) surgical cases with a supervising surgeon prior to working independently as a RNFA. The HRD verified the RNFA completed four instead of six proctored cases.
The hospital policy and procedure titled "STANDARDIZED PROCEDURE SUBJECT: REGISTERED NURSE FIRST ASSIST (RNFA)" undated, indicated "PROCEDURE: D. 1. Intervention: b. Initial Evaluation of Competence: Six (6) cases to be proctored d. The 6 cases to be proctored utilizing the Proctor/Competency Form."