A cost-effective competency program for a rehabilitation unit

As competency evaluations become the standard for assessing proficient nursing practice, the need for validated, cost-effective, and efficient programs will increase. This article describes a competency assessment program that was implemented for a hospital-based, 15-bed acute rehabilitation unit in Chehalis, WA. The program, initiated and executed by the hospital's staff development department, was efficient in terms of financial costs to the unit and the time required for implementation for all participating staff. Appropriately selected psychomotor and cognitive skills were verified through return demonstration and written examination. The 14 members of the licensed staff successfully completed all aspects of the program.