Training up is an option for some practitioners

Whenever a practitioner who is currently privileged at an organization wishes to increase his or her knowledge and skill base and thus broaden his or her scope of practice, the organization can assist the practitioner by providing the necessary training via a preceptorship program. With physician shortages affecting many healthcare organizations, developing a preceptor policy and process to “train up” current practitioners, such as advanced practice professionals and physicians, can help meet increasing patient care demands.

The first step is for the organization’s applicable leadership (e.g., nursing leaders, the medical executive committee, and governing board) to determine whether they support the request to implement an onsite education and training process or program. One aspect to consider in a nonacademic medical center is to confirm that the organization’s professional liability carrier includes this activity.

Second, once the decision is made to support an education initiative, the organization should develop a clear policy and procedure to ensure that an effective training process is implemented. The training should provide the necessary hands-on education and experience while making certain that patient safety and quality patient care are preserved.

Third, the organization needs to create a policy to support and guide the process.

Source: The Medical Staff’s Guide to Overcoming Competence Assessment Challenges