VA Finds Large Gaps in RN Telemetry Training, Retraining

The April VA OIG report recommends that the Under Secretary for Health:

• Establish specific RN competency assessment and validation requirements to ensure consistency among facilities.
• Work in conjunction with Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) and facility senior managers to ensure that competency validation documentation includes all elements required by Joint Commission standards and local policy.
• Work in conjunction with VISN and facility senior managers to ensure that all RN competency documentation is present in competency folders and is current and validated.
• Work in conjunction with VISN and facility senior managers to ensure that appropriate actions are taken when competency expectations are not met.

The reports should also serve as a reminder to all hospitals that when it comes to training and retraining requirements, on paper doesn't equal in practice.