How can a nurse effectively monitor an AP's understanding of a procedure after teaching?

Monitoring an AP's (Advanced Practice nurse or any unlicensed assistive personnel) understanding of a procedure is crucial for ensuring patient safety and promoting effective collaboration in healthcare settings. Observing the AP's technique periodically allows the nurse to see firsthand how well the AP has integrated the information from the teaching session into their practice. This hands-on observation provides real-time feedback on the AP's skills, technique, and adherence to protocols, ensuring that they perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Additionally, this method allows the nurse to offer immediate guidance or correction if necessary, reinforcing learning and helping the AP to refine their skills. Regular observation can also foster a supportive learning environment, encouraging open communication and discussions about any challenges the AP may face.

In contrast, relying only on scheduled evaluations or written tests may not provide an accurate picture of the AP's current abilities or comfort level with the procedure, as skills can diminish over time without practice. Asking the AP to explain the entire procedure can be useful for theoretical understanding but does not account for practical execution, which is essential in clinical settings. Therefore, periodic observation is the most comprehensive approach to ensuring competence in procedure execution.